In this Connect Magazine, we focus on Outdoor Education for Senior School students.

It has been a busy term for students studying Outdoor Education at KingsWay. Both the Level 2 Outdoor Education and Level 3 Adventure Based Leadership (ABL) courses have been involved in exciting expeditions offsite, applying skills and knowledge developed in the classroom.

The Level 2 students have been focused on rock climbing, with practice sessions at Northern Rocks and Birkenhead Leisure Centre, developing climbing technique and belaying skills and culminating in a three-day camp at Castlerock, Wharepapa South.

Students enjoyed some of the best climbing in the country, showing grit and determination to complete their practical assessments and build further knowledge of Risk Management in the outdoors as a result.

The Level 3 ABL class recently completed an epic adventure, paddling by sea kayak from Takapuna Beach to Rangitoto Island in rainy conditions before racing to the summit for an amazing view of the city. Students in this course have been exploring a variety of approaches to leadership and how to lead others effectively in outdoor adventure activities, including rock climbing and kayaking.

It is exciting to see the growth in students choosing Outdoor Education in 2021, with both courses reaching capacity for the first time. The experiences and learning that takes place in the outdoors is an amazing opportunity to apply practical skills while reflecting on God’s creation and how we can play a part in sustaining the environment that we get to enjoy. One of the recurring themes within both courses is the concept of leaving people, places, and relationships better than before, and already we have seen our KingsWay students step up and take ownership in these areas over this Term.

Students at Level 2 will shift focus to the water in Term 2, focusing on leadership and social responsibility as they develop their skills in surfing, before planning and implementing a multiday tramp with a focus on Navigation to finish the year. Our Level 3 ABL students are currently preparing for a three-day tramp in early Term 2, focusing on outdoor safety, before completing the year with a training and recreation unit.

Matt Harris
Outdoor Education Teacher & Assistant Head of Senior School