wide open spaces
Outdoor Education Studies
Jacqueline Warren
Year 11
The VCE OES class recently participated in a 5 day camp (February 14 to 18th).
We visited Wilson Promontory - a national park that provided us with hiking routes for us to travel the south coast of Victoria -exploring its biodiversity.
During the hike we were greeted with the most beautiful scenery. Little Waterloo Bay was a breathtaking spot - the beach of soft white sand touching the crashing light blue sea. The 17.9km trek was worth it!
I was happy to spend this camp with enjoyable people and will have lasting memories from the experience.
Hilary Gilbert-Wilson
Head of Learning
HPE
The VCE Outdoor Education Studies Wilson’s Promontory Trek is the longest expedition for the year for our VCE students.
Students will have to reflect on their experiences in this environment during all their upcoming coursework. They will use unique examples from the spectacular National Park to explain the relationships they have developed with environment as well as the relationships that past users once had.
Students travelled approximately 50km and saw many of the iconic sites of the Prom including Oberon Bay, the lighthouse and Waterloo Bay.
The brilliant weather gave students a prime opportunity to view the amazing coastline and unique flora and fauna found at the Prom. This will enable students to relate these experiences to the lessons they will learn in class about our endemic species and special climate.
Samantha Gilmour
Year 11
I found personal strength on this trip.
The expedition taught me that when I am determined I can push through obstacles - like pushing through the uncomfortable pain of walking 50km! I learned that I can mentally motivate myself to pursue my goal.
I think that this trip gave us all an appreciation for the environment we were in. Like the Indigenous Australians, we connected with the land, and this relates back to our study content.
My best moments were the phat feeds I cooked on the trangia (!) and the funniest moments were when we played charades.
Gabriel Taburet
Year 11
The expedition to Wilson Prom was an educational and challenging experience. We learned about the historical uses of the Prom as well as more practical skills - such as map reading and navigation. The overall hiking added up to over 50km, and despite the challenging moments, the trip was a satisfactory experience.
Nelson Walker
Year 11
On the hike I learned some mapping skills, such as how to read contour lines etc. I also learned about how the area was used before, during, and post European Settlement.
I specifically studied how the area was conserved by some European settlers called the Field Naturalist Club. The Field Naturalists Club were a group of rich settlers who valued the natural beauty of the area and helped to get Wilson's Prom designated as a national park. I can use this example in SAC's to illustrate the uses of the land during European Settlement.
The hike was quite challenging, but still enjoyable. My favourite moment was when we went swimming at the beach at Tidal River after completing the hike.
Hannah Harms
Year 11
Whoooooo!
On camp i learned that a positive attitude towards things allows for a better and more enjoyable experience. The camp taught me about my interactions with the environment and how humans have altered the natural landscape in both negative and positive ways.
The best moment of camp was the moment we reached Little Waterloo Bay for the night and we finally got to relax and have a swim. The overall expedition was extremely tough and challenging, both mentally and physically, but it was definitely worth the experience!