Outdoor Education Program

An outdoor education program for Years 1-7 is conducted in the school. Activities range from local community awareness, day camping, overnight camps, to week-long camps. Varying environments are chosen for each year level.

Excursions and the outdoor education program are in integral part of the curriculum and form a basis for integrated programs. It is anticipated that all children participate in these activities.

Each year level experiences different outdoor education experiences in a variety of settings.

Some of the aims of the program include:

• to stimulate initiative and self confidence
• to encourage a spirit of energy
• to provide a different learning experience - learning to use the natural environment as a stimulant to creative expression
• to learn to live happily and healthily out of doors
• to provide a social experience of co-operation with others through non-competitive and non-threatening situations
• to develop independence and interdependence
• to promote teacher-student relationships
• to introduce the student to the local cultural and natural environments - past and present

Year 1 Day Camp

Held in November each year, Day Camp is a normal non-uniform school day until 1:30pm. Children then have a swim followed by afternoon tea and a variety of rotational activities.

Some activities include a water slide, treasure hunt, creating with play dough, parachute activities, café and dancing.

Day Camp usually concludes with a barbecue dinner.

Year 2 Environmental Day Camp

Towards the end of November, Year 2 students venture off to Bellbird Grove where they participate in a full day’s activities. Through this excursion, children will gain an appreciation of organised outdoor activities in preparation for future camps.

Year 3 Camp Constable

Early in November, Year 3 students embark on a three day camp to scenic Camp Constable at Mount Glorious. This is a culminating activity for a unit on rainforests. It is the student’s first opportunity to participate in an overnight camp away from the school. The focus is on learning about the environment as well developing socialisation skills and independence.

Year 4 Alexandra Park Camp

This is the culminating activity for a Marine Studies Unit in fourth term. In Term 4, Year 4 students spend three nights at Alexandra Park, Alexandra Heads on the Sunshine Coast. Daily rotational activities include sand modelling, beach and nipper activities. Classes tour Underwater World, feed the sharks and sleep in the Aquarium tunnel surrounded by marine life! There is also swimming, dancing and games.

Year 5 Lake Ainsworth Sport & Recreation Centre

At the end of first term, Year 5 students head to Lake Ainsworth (Lennox Head, NSW) for a physical activity based program. They encounter a range of activities including sailing, canoeing, snorkelling, archery, bike riding, marine exploration, grass skiing and fencing. This camp offers both freshwater and surf environments, which is ideal for this four-day outdoor experience.

Year 6 Moreton Island Camp

In March, Year 6 students travelled by barge to beautiful Moreton Island where they spend four nights in a camping area near Bulwer. Students participate in a range of activities including swimming (freshwater and saltwater), sand tobogganing, orienteering and fishing.

Classes learn about the history of the island, the native flora and fauna, and identify plant species. A campfire night, talent quest and games night keep the students busy during the evening.

Year 7 Bornhoffen