Our students have had a huge range of successes and learning experiences in the outdoors this term; it's awesome to have so much positivity to reflect upon. No longer is it all the things we missed out on with lockdowns and restrictions, but all the wonderful things we have done and achieved. We’re seeing students thrive and there’s little better feeling for a teacher than to see growth in our young people.

YEAR 9 CAMP

Camp occurred earlier this term for our Year 9 students. Flooding squandered our first attempt at the usual time in Term 1, necessitating a change of venue and effectively a new camp. Our Year 10 students who lead the activities as part of their Outdoor Leadership topic adapted quickly to the changes and were exemplary leaders over the three days. Our Year 9’s were outstanding on camp and are to be commended on their enthusiasm, responsibility and participation.

YEAR 9 BUSHCRAFT

Our three Year 9 Bushcraft classes have made huge progress this term, building a range of outdoor skills relating to camping, including cooking on a metho stove, knots, navigation and shelter building. The students are assessed via a “competency” system, where they must individually demonstrate a given skill to a high standard before being deemed competent. It demands students to persist with their learning, practice, seek feedback and persist - only then do they grow as learners. Particularly outstanding progress has been made by Lachlan Campbell, Kiki Macas, Kymmie Kilpatrick, Matilda Strode.

One of our Year 9 classes unfortunately missed out on their bush walk in Term 1, which was rescheduled to this term. The relentless westerly wind resulted in a new bushwalking location - this time to Seven Mile Beach National Park. The students handled the 12.5km walk impressively well.

YEAR 10 BUSHCRAFT

Year 10 have had an extremely busy term, simultaneously planning their expeditions in addition to a very full schedule in the “Rockcraft” unit. Our expedition this year is being held in Heathcote National Park, with 10BSH2 completing their 27km overnight backpack walk this week. Expeditions are intended to challenge students and are often an intense experience that requires students to dig deep and support each other through the challenges. What better training ground for life?!

I genuinely believe these experiences help build better people, and the grit, camaraderie, teamwork and achievement they experience will help set these students up for success in their lives. I cannot wait to hear of their experiences upon their return! 10BSH1 will have a date set for their expedition in Term 3.

The Rockcraft unit is part way complete, with students having undertaken climbing at “Indoor Climb South Coast”, in addition to a glorious day on some of the Shoalhaven’s renowned sandstone cliffs. Climbing challenges everyone no matter their ability, and challenge brings growth. The sessions were flawless with our students demonstrating exemplary behaviour, safety and maturity. Particularly noteworthy climbs were made by Oscar Tunney-Roberts, Holly Singleton, Charli Butler and Huge Vaughan. Next term we will continue the topic with abseiling, vertical mobility and a little more climbing thrown in!

What a term it has been - but with so many successes amongst our students, it is great to conclude the term with such positivity. I am personally fueled by the successes of our young people and I love every moment I can spend with them in our bush, facilitating and watching them grow as people.

OUTDOOR LEARNING EVENTS COMING UP IN TERM 3 

• Year 11 PDHPE Outdoor Rec Camp at Kiola (overnight walk)
• Year 9 Rogaine Day (parent volunteers needed!!! Please contact Mrs. Semmens for more information, but plenty of info to come early next term)
• Year 10 Rockcraft Assessment Day at Yerriyong.

Mr John Higgins

Bushcraft Teacher