It's fantastic to reflect at the end of term on all the positive experiences students have had in the outdoors. Year 7 camp was an outstanding event and it was tremendous to be a part of their journey as they make lifelong memories, building new friendships and at times - expanding their comfort zones through new experiences. For many students, camp is an unfamiliar setting and many find this challenging. “Challenge” is one of our Learning Dispositions at SJE - “The learner works hard, takes risks, is persistent and resilient”.

We are so proud of our Year 7 Students for taking these challenges in their stride and we hope these experiences carry forward into the classroom and broader lives.

YEAR 9 BUSHCRAFT

Our three Year 9 Bushcraft classes cover a total of 70 students, which is 40% of the cohort. The classes have been developing their first aid skills, in the theme of “wilderness settings”. It demands students to be resourceful, skilled and focused as they work in teams to treat casualties with a variety of injuries occurring from plausible outdoor accidents.

Two of our classes have been on their first full day walk, which gives the classes their first exposure to the outdoors as a class. The walks certainly challenged the classes in attendance with nature giving us plenty to learn from. Resilience is the reward for enduring challenges, and our students will certainly experience growth as a consequence.

Moving into Term 2, our Year 9 classes will work on their camping and navigation skills in preparation for their next adventure.

YEAR 10 BUSHCRAFT

Year 10 Bushcraft students run the activities on our camps as part of their study of Outdoor Leadership. Those students attending the Year 7 Camp conducted themselves in an exemplary manner. The leadership demonstrated by these students was outstanding, and furthered their skills in group management, teamwork and motivation. The remaining students will have their opportunity to grow in this space on the rescheduled Year 9 Camp, now being held in Term 2.

Our two classes are now studying ‘Expedition Planning’, where the students plan their own outdoor adventure. A significant skill set and attention to detail is essential for safely undertaking outdoor expeditions, and we develop these skills through this topic.

The classes will complete an expedition next term and are busy planning their equipment, fitting their packs and working on their physical fitness. Expeditioning is as much an exploration of ‘self’ as it is of a place, and students will certainly learn a great deal about themselves and their peers through this trip. It is a big trip and a lot of planning is required, but I have no doubt our students will rise to this new challenge.