Survival Skills Incursion

On Friday 27 May, our Survival Skills students spent the day in the outdoor classroom and got back to basics. The not-for-profit organisation, Firekeepers, spent six hours with students, reconnecting them with nature. Mel and Yonke began by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land and taught students mindfulness techniques to tune into sounds and sights around them. 

Provided with tarpaulins and rope, students took on the challenge of designing and building their own storm-proof shelters, using their understanding of physics to guide their construction. Continuing the 'Order of Survival', students practiced their whittling techniques to safely prepare a baseboard ready for friction fire. Under the expert guidance of Mel and Yonke, students successfully harnessed their chemistry knowledge, creating glowing embers with firesticks. They collected natural tinder materials to build a hot bed of coals to prepare lunch. Using a mixture of freshly harvested edible plants, students created a refreshing fruit and honey tea and hot damper with a delicious herb pesto. Students also learned how to purify water using a makeshift carbon filter. 

We concluded the day with 'Circle Time' to reflect on what they had learned and found most interesting. Thanks again to our presenters for facilitating such a unique learning opportunity, and students for their enthusiasm and participation on the day.

Mr Chris Robinson

Teacher