VCE Outdoor Education

Melaine Blair

Head of Learning - HPE

Teacher - Outdoor & Environmental Studies 

During Term 2, the VCE Units 3&4 Outdoor and Environmental Studies class participated in a Sea Kayaking Day Program along the Yarra River. 

The purpose of the program was to analyse the factors that influence societal relationships with outdoor environments. Students discovered a range of conservation strategies that are implemented by Parks Victoria to help preserve and restore the health of the Yarra River - including the Renewable Rubbish Collector (Geoff) and the Floating Wetlands. 

The other key focus was reviewing how advancements in technology have allowed outdoor experiences to become safer and more accessible to the community. This involved learning the risks associated in recreational activities such as kayaking – and the measurements put in place to reduce the level of risk.  

Students were fortunate enough to have good weather conditions, despite the gloomy morning. The program began with a safety briefing from East Coast Kayaking and an overview of the rules and regulations of recreational activities and bodies of water. Students learned about kayaking methodology and the techniques required to effectively manoeuvre the boats. 

We paddled from the inner-city of Melbourne (close to Flinders Street Station) and kayaked down the Yarra River to the Docklands, and back. In total, this was approximately 8km. Considering it was most students first time kayaking, this was a massive accomplishment! 

We are looking forward to completing our final Outdoor Education Program later this year – Cross Country Skiing at Mount Stirling.