Fresh air, exercise and scenery … but wait - there's more…

One of our four strategic goals is to empower akonga (learners) by providing educational opportunities that are inspiring, authentic and responsive to their needs now and in the future. This has encouraged me to reflect on the value of educational opportunities outside the classroom, including camps, field trips, outdoor education experiences, marae visits and immersion experiences such as the Spirit of Adventure or Outward Bound. Sports and Cultural opportunities and trips could also be counted as educational opportunities in a broader sense.

There are many sides to this story. Firstly there is the memorability of such experiences. I can recall clearly the field trips and out-of-regular-school experiences in my own education. I discovered my love of the mountains and geography in a single trip to Erewhon Station in Year 11. By contrast I struggle to recall each and every classroom lesson I had at school - though general impressions and some striking moments stay with me.

Secondly there is the stepping out into the unknown and being able to cope with situations outside the comfort zone. Recently I saw all 75 students (minus those with injuries) navigate the Clifden Caves at Borland successfully, despite feeling unsure, unsuspecting and uncomfortable - particularly in one section, aptly known as the Birth Canal! The ability to take what comes, adapt and enjoy takes resilience and grit. We can’t always learn this within the four walls of the classroom.

Next there is the development of the so-called ‘soft skills’. Soft skills are the skills that enable you to fit in at a workplace. They include your personality, attitude, flexibility, motivation, manners, mindset and social and emotional intelligence. These are the things that enable people to navigate their environment, work well with others, perform well, and achieve their goals. The soft skills are developed mainly in the down-times on school camps and activities - when students are waiting to catch a bus, when they are just back from an activity or when they are cooking dinner or washing up in their group. Team work and participation are part of these skills.

Finally, aside from actual skill or knowledge acquired in such experiences, there is attendance and turning up - and in turn, development of relationships and friendships. Turning up demonstrates resilience, belonging and commitment. Just by turning up to a sport, activity or camp you are committing to belonging in a group, developing friendships and making and sharing memories.

This week instead of a photo of myself I am including one of the Clifden cavers. This photo epitomises the spirit of throwing oneself into activities whole-heartedly and the special brand of fun and happiness that can only be achieved outside of the classroom. We look forward to the Year 10 Marae trips next week and other camps to follow, culminating in Year 10 camp in December for all Year 10 students.

As always please be aware that there is huge support from teachers to plan and organise camps and equally huge financial support to ensure these educational opportunities are open to everybody. Please do not hesitate to contact the school office or guidance counsellors tyr@otagogirls.school.nz to access this financial support for your student to go on trips. We are so fortunate here at Otago Girls’ High School to have wonderful experiences outside the classroom at every level - for every student. Go on out and build memories for life!