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
- Minimum C Grade in Year 10 English
- Sound Physical Fitness
- Excellent Interpersonal Skills
- Excellent Participation, PE Uniform and Attendance endorsement from the HPE department
Syllabus:
The Year 12 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 3
The focus for this unit is outdoor program development. This provides the opportunity for students to address planning considerations, including risk assessment and management, emergency response, and logistical planning in the outdoors. In this unit, students plan and then participate in an extended expedition. Students use theories and models to determine how these programs impact on personal and group development, and understand leadership strategies to add value to outdoor experiences. They continue to develop a deeper understanding of the environment and its current state, examine how human relationships with the environment have changed over time, and develop strategies to encourage positive relationships with nature in others.
Unit 4
The focus for this unit is developing and facilitating outdoor experiences. Students draw from their previous experiences and knowledge to synthesise a range of ideas, skills, technologies and processes to develop, manage, instruct and facilitate experiences in the outdoors. They explore applications of outdoor experiences that address issues and requirements of specific groups. Students continue to develop and apply theoretical understandings in facilitating experiential learning, and use instructional strategies to assist others to develop a positive relationship with nature. They understand the concepts related to outdoor leadership and provide meaningful experiences for people to explore values related to self, others, and the environment.
Assessments:
Expedition Manual Investigation: 10%
Performance 1: Practical Adventure Activity Skills: 10%
Performance 2: Expedition Skills/Performance on Expedition: 20%
Short and Extended Responses: 20%
Examination: 40%
Important Note:
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.
More Information:
For further information regarding this course click here.