Outdoor Education
The emphasis is on the individual and is based on self-responsibility which is fundamental to adventure
Outdoor education at MLC is based on the structured use of the natural environment to achieve a wide range of educational objectives. The emphasis is on the individual and is based on self-responsibility which is fundamental to adventure. All programs are developed with reference to the following goals:
- to provide opportunities for wholesome fun, adventure and physical and emotional challenges that help students to know themselves and their potential and therefore increase their self confidence
- to develop the student's aesthetic appreciation and spiritual perceptions in relation to the natural world (possessing a sense of wonder and mystery)
- to provide opportunities for the development of leadership skills
- to provide experiences in group living that help to develop the student's capacity to behave as an acceptable member of a community, sensitive to the worth of each individual and responsive to her needs
- to assist groups of various sizes and make up to develop social cohesion and detect and deal with friction and tension
- to assist in the development of mutual regard, understanding and appreciation between students and adults
- to create in students a sense of responsibility for the natural environment and its preservation
- to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that relate to safety in the natural environment
- to develop an awareness, appreciation and understanding of the natural environment and our relationship to it
Programs
An Outdoor Education program is part of the curriculum for all students in Years 7, 8 and 9. These programs give the students a sound understanding and grounding in the subject and allows an informed choice in Years 10, 11 and 12.
Year 7
Introduces community living and includes a night out under canvas. Cooking skills on a trangia (liquid fuel stove) are taught with the students producing part of each main meal. Activities are varied and aim to challenge the students to individual and group achievements.
Year 8
The program for Year 8 is split into two parts. The first half is in the early part of Term 1 and an integral part of the orientation program. Students are introduced to the basic skills of outdoor living, cooking on trangias and working and living with their peers. Activities are designed to challenge them at a personal level and demand co-operation as a group. Students are required to move into new comfort zones and develop an appreciation of the environment. The second half of the program, at the end of the year, continues to develop their skills and introduces new ones in preparation for Year 9.
Year 9
Is a six day base camp program with a two day canoeing expedition to reinforce "campout skills". Caving is introduced and rock climbing and abseiling are taught to some depth with students taking greater responsibility for each other's safety and progress. Year 9 students may choose to go on the program in May, September or October. As only eighteen to twenty students go at any one time, great value is gained from the small group atmosphere.
Year 10
Two optional programs are offered in July and October. July is a major expedition in the Exmouth area. This exciting and challenging program focuses on hiking in difficult but spectacular terrain which requires skilled navigation. Cape Range provides an ideal venue for rock climbing, abseiling and caving and there are opportunities for swimming, fishing and snorkelling on Ningaloo Reef. Conditions are tough but immensely rewarding. October is quite different and based on a horse riding adventure in the D' Entrecasteaux National Park. Students are challenged at many levels and as well as working as a group they have the additional task of becoming a partnership with their horse. No riding experience is necessary to gain all the advantages of this program.
Years 11 and 12
These programs are based on the requests of students. They run during the April or December school holidays. Surfing programs in Geraldton, horse riding and hiking in the gorges at Kalbarri have been very popular, but trips to some of our wonderful wilderness areas are possible.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
This internationally recognised award is offered for all students 15 years of age and older. The award is co-ordinated by the Outdoor Education Department who provide support and encouragement for all those students who take up the challenge to improve and expand their interests, talents and qualifications in the four key award sections:
- Recreation
- Skill
- Service
- Expedition
The Outdoor Education staff provide a structured program of group and individual meetings to discuss aspects of the award and provide assistance to help individuals successfully meet the criteria of the Bronze and Silver awards. In particular, students are offered support in the Service and Expedition sections.
The expedition criteria is partially satisfied by participation on Outdoor Education programs in Year 9, 10 or 11 (expedition training component) and Outdoor Education staff conduct specific training weekends as required. This aspect of the award provides students with the opportunity to plan and implement their own Test expedition in small groups with a very high success rate.