Subject description

Outdoor Education is a 10-credit subject or a 20-credit subject at Stage 1.

Through the study of three focus areas — environment and conservation; planning and management; and personal and social growth and development — students develop skills and understanding in preparation and planning for outdoor experiences, risk management, and conservation practices, and develop their teamwork and practical outdoor skills.

Students develop an understanding of ecosystems and the impacts of human actions and decisions through the study of natural environments and wilderness areas. They develop knowledge and understanding of environmental systems and their conservation.

The learning experiences that take place in a variety of locations are intended to enable students to develop an appreciation of their place in, and their impact on, environments. As they spend time learning in natural environments, students develop knowledge and apply planning and risk-management skills for outdoor journeys that ensures they travel safely. They also apply these skills to plan for minimal impact as they move through natural environments.

The study of Stage 1 Outdoor Education provides students with opportunities to experience personal growth and to develop social skills, self-confidence, and teamwork skills. They evaluate and reflect on their own learning progression and skills development, and working with others in groups, as well as their relationship with and connection to nature.

The development of a relationship with natural environments can impact positively on students’ health and well-being, and can foster a lifelong connection with nature and a commitment to responsible activity when interacting with natural environments.

In the context of this subject, the term ‘natural environment’ refers to an ecological unit that encompasses living and non-living things occurring naturally, with minimal influence from humans. It is recognised that the natural environments where learning is intended to take place in this subject will have varying degrees of naturalness. The term ‘natural environment’ is also used to contrast with urban or built environments that may include green spaces or coastal areas.