Level 2 Outdoor Education and Level 3 Adventure Based Leadership (ABL)

Growth and Resilience | Embrace challenge as essential to thriving amidst the highs and lows of learning, life and love.

This term has seen both our Senior Outdoor Education classes head outside, and in particular, onto or into the water. Even though the weather has not been warm, students have spent time surfing, paddle-boarding, swimming, and floating around our local east coast beaches and waterways. Students have demonstrated resilience in their ability to adapt to changes in plans this term, with weather and stormy conditions impacting activities. However, both classes have made the most of the local conditions to gain meaningful water-based experiences.

The Level 3 ABL class recently paddled the Puhoi River, staying overnight in our wonderful regional parks, with some rain and cold temperatures not spoiling the fun. The Level 2 Outdoor Education class took part in a surf camp in Week 7, which, although initially planned for the northland area, took place closer to home due to huge swells on the east coast. Students all stood up and became ‘surfers’ after trying, failing, reflecting, and giving it another go. Though the water was not very warm, the students persevered and showed grit to persevere while demonstrating leadership and care for each other throughout the week. 

Seeing these students enjoy the outdoors this term and gain wonderful learning experiences together has been very rewarding.

Matt Harris
Head of Faculty Health & Physical Education