Level 2 Outdoor Education and Level 3 Adventure Based Leadership

Over the course of 3 days students from both Level 2 Outdoor Education and Level 3 Adventure Based Leadership classes visited the Bethels and Muriwai Beach area, as well as heading further up north to Tawharanui Regional Park. Under the guidance of Mr Harris and Mr Thomson, students were fortunate to have great weather during both days to walk and enjoy the sights, however the second night was a stormy and wild night of weather, with students tucked up in their tents while the rain poured through all night.

The Level 2 students completed their Navigation unit, demonstrating their compass and navigation skills while also completing a Unit Standard on camping. The Year 13 students' main focus was around safety and risk, which gave them an opportunity to consider the strategies to keep over 35 people in the group safe. Students planned, budgeted, shopped for, and cooked their meals throughout the trip; skills that will hopefully set them in good stead for future life. Across the 3 days many friendships were strengthened, and the skills that had been taught in the classroom were put to the test.

Outdoor Education provides a context to learning in the outdoors that is unique, placing students in situations that require practical skills, but often more so the need to challenge themselves both individually, and as a group.

Hopefully, after this second lockdown, students can look forward to further excursions in Term 3 and 4, with Level 2 Outdoor Education preparing for Surf Camp, and the Level 3 class focussing on a range of recreation activities and experiences.