Through interaction with the natural world, the Outdoor Education ATAR course aims to develop an understanding of our relationships with the environment, others and ourselves, and ultimately contribute towards a sustainable world. The integrated approach within this course allows for practical activities, theoretical concepts, and relationship with the environment to be incorporated into a meaningful program of learning. It provides students with an opportunity to develop essential life skills and physical activity skills, an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of the environment and develop a positive relationship with nature.
The course aims to develop self-awareness and leadership through opportunities to plan for, and facilitate, outdoor experiences.The course will prepare students for career and employment pathways in areas such as outdoor leadership, environmental interpretation, environmental planning, facilities management, eco-tourism, military service, outdoor education, and the many unforeseen areas evolving in the outdoors industry.
Prerequisites:
Minimum B Grade in Physical Education or Outdoor Education and a minimum B Grade in Year 10 English; Sound Physical Fitness; Excellent Interpersonal Skills. Students will also need to have demonstrated excellent participation in Year 10 Physical Education classes and consistently worn their PE uniform.
Syllabus:
The Year 11 syllabus is divided into two units, each of one semester duration, which are typically delivered as a pair. The notional time for each unit is 55 class contact hours.
Unit 1 – Responsibility in the Outdoors
The focus of this unit is being responsible in the outdoors. Students are exposed to a broad range of responsibilities involved in undertaking short‐duration expeditions. Through regular practical experiences and group activities, students develop flexibility, monitoring and commitment. They further develop problem solving, decision making and outdoor leadership skills and strategies for building effective group relationships.
Unit 2 – Attaining Independence in the Outdoors
Throughout this unit, students develop their performance and competence at increasing levels of self‐sufficiency, technical understanding and physical fitness to deal with a range of challenges. They are involved in planning for participation in extended expeditions, and become more proficient in outdoor activity roping and navigational skills. They are able to conduct emergency response processes. They deliver briefings, participate in debriefing, and experience shared leadership opportunities. Students extend their understanding about the environment and develop weather forecasting skills. They are introduced to historical, cultural and indigenous heritage.
Assessments:
Expedition Manual Investigation: 20%
Performance 1: Practical Adventure Activity Skills: 10%
Performance 2: Expedition Skills/Performance on Expedition: 20%
Short and Extended Responses: 20%
Examination: 30%.
More Information:
Please understand that to effectively fulfill practical course requirements the Outdoor Education course will utilise a ‘FLEXI’ (flexible timetable) arrangement. More information will be provided at the beginning of each Semester.
IMPORTANT – Parents/Caregivers and students need to understand that as part of the course curriculum and assessment requirements we will be participating in two expeditions (camps) per year, each lasting for four days duration. This cost is not included in the course cost you will be provided with. There will also be costs associated with personal comfort needs/items that will need to purchased for your child to effectively participate in ATAR Outdoor Education.
For further information regarding this course click here.