Outdoor Education is an integral part of the junior school programme, and it fits within the Health and Physical Education area of the NZ Curriculum. It is a compulsory part of our school programme.

Riccarton High School is very fortunate to have an excellent Outdoor Education facility at Kokiri on the West Coast that offers a two-year programme designed to provide a positive introduction to the outdoors.

The students are actively encouraged to participate in all the activities to the best of their ability. There is a focus on team building and working well in small groups.

The main aim of the experience is to develop student self-confidence and the ability to work cooperatively in a team.

All junior classes go to Kokiri for four days, usually travelling one way on the TransAlpine Express. 

The Riccarton High School camps are run by experienced Outdoor Education instructors. We have an extensive risk management plan for the activities at Kokiri.

To help us, we need you to inform us of any illnesses, injuries, emotional problems, etc. that you know your child has, before going to camp. We will send home forms for parents/caregivers to complete and return.

The staff

There are four staff and four senior student leaders with each class. 

Staff include Kokiri Manager, Rebecca Dent, and three trained outdoor education instructors. 

The use of the outdoor education instructors is important for supervision and safety. Their outdoor and group facilitation skills are highly valued.

The Activities

The programme contains a host of fun games which demand and develop group cooperation, and adventure-based learning activities such as high ropes, orienteering and the famous mud walk, that build confidence.

Kokiri camp contribution cost

The costs of operating the camps are significant and include travel to and from the West Coast, food and activities, as well as the salaries of the outdoor education instructors who provide a high-quality, fun and rewarding programme. 

In 2018, the Board of Trustees is asking parents/caregivers to make a contribution towards the $280 camp cost. By making a contribution towards the school you may be eligible for a tax credit.

See the IRD website for more information on whether you qualify and how to claim. Follow this link.

Contributions can be made via:

1. Internet banking to account: 03 0855 0333900 01. Please include your child’s full name, class and Kokiri as reference details.

2. EFTPOS, credit card or internet banking paid at the school office

3. Cash or cheque at the school office or placed in a named envelope.

4. Automatic payment set up to the school account listed above. This can be organised through your own internet banking or at a branch of your bank.

Ideal venue

The lodge is available for hire and is an ideal venue for many activities:

• school groups - subject field trips, form class camp, outdoor education experiences, etc.

• community groups

• corporate training

• family holidays

For more information about hiring Kokiri Lodge, please contact Chris McEntee on 348 5073 or email info@riccarton.school.nz

2018 classes and times

TERM 1:

10TN: 13 -16 February

10JQ: 20 - 23 February

10BE: 27 February -2 March

10BU: 6 - 9 March

10MK: 13 - 16 March

10CD: 20 - 23 March

10PT: 26 -29 March

10PW: 3 - 6 April

10EA: 10 - 13 April

TERM 2:

9CN: 1 - 4 May

9RD: 8 - 11 May

9HN: 15-18 May

9BT: 22 - 25 May

9HW: 29 May - 1 June

9MH: 5 - 8 June

9VP: 12 - 15 June

9GD: 19 - 22 June

9NS: 26 - 29 June