Exploring the Margaret River Region: Year 10 Outdoor Education Expedition
Our Outdoor Education students are regularly presented with fantastic opportunities to take the practical skills they learn in the classroom to the outdoors and put them into practice.Â
The latest group to set off on an outdoor adventure is our Year 10 Outdoor Education class, who recently returned from their expedition in the Margaret River Region, where they spent four days along the Cape to Cape track.Â
We spoke to Outdoor Education teachers Erinn Campbell and Parris Laurie to find out more about how the expedition went and what the girls got up to.
What did the students do during their time away?
The students participated in hiking, Indigenous culture sessions, canoeing, high ropes, abseiling, climbing, beach team games and art activities.
How do experiences outside of the classroom, such as this expedition, enrich the learning experience for students?
Erinn Campbell: The Year 10 Outdoor Education expedition offered students a holistic experience that fostered a sense of place, resilience, self-awareness, determination, inner strength, and a better understanding of their own abilities. Through a variety of challenging activities, students were able to grow both individually and as a group, learning important life skills along the way:
Sense of Place
- Connecting with the natural environment through activities like bushwalking and Indigenous culture.
- Developing an appreciation for the beauty and significance of the outdoors.
- Gaining a deeper understanding of local ecosystems and landscapes.
Grit and Determination
- Overcoming challenges during activities like abseiling and climbing.
- Pushing through physical and mental barriers to achieve goals.
- Learning the value of persistence and resilience in demanding situations.
Self Realisation
- Discovering personal strengths and weaknesses through outdoor challenges.
- Reflecting on individual capabilities and areas for growth.
- Gaining insights into one’s preferences and abilities in different outdoor activities.
Determination
- Setting goals and working towards achieving them during the expedition.
- Developing a focused mindset to overcome obstacles and complete tasks.
- Recognising the importance of goal-setting and planning for success.
Inner Strength
- Tapping into inner resources to overcome fears and uncertainties.
- Building emotional resilience while facing unfamiliar situations.
- Cultivating a stronger sense of self-confidence and self-assuredness.
Understanding Their Own Ability
- Evaluating personal performance and progress in activities like high ropes and canoeing.
- Gaining a realistic assessment of one’s abilities in different outdoor settings.
- Recognising areas for improvement and potential for growth.
Parris Laurie: Expeditions are an excellent way to connect learning to life. The cultural experience especially was an amazing way for students to build an appreciation for the environment they live in and what it has to offer but also how important it is to preserve it. These expeditions build resilience in our girls and, through this process, they also increase their self-confidence when they experience success in areas they usually or haven’t before found success. Disconnecting from social media and technology allows them to properly connect with their peers and nature.
What was a highlight amongst the group?
High ropes and the cultural experience seemed to be the biggest highlights. During one of the hikes, students stopped for a rest and coincidentally timed it perfectly to then watch a large pod of dolphins surfing the waves, jumping out of the water and playing.
What was your favourite part of the expedition as an educator?
Erinn Campbell: Personally, I love listening and reading to the student’s reflections from the Expedition, particularly when they can articulate their feelings and identify how they have grown through the experience.
Parris Laurie: Seeing students struggling, then thriving. Whether that was a fear of heights, and then they built up the courage to go over the edge on the abseil or struggling during the walk with their big packs and then making it through the walk and realising they are stronger than what they initially thought. Students missing their phones and home to later in the week, reflecting and enjoying the time to disconnect and go to sleep listening to the rain on their tent.
Here’s what some students had to say about the expedition:
“The Year 10 Outdoor Ed expedition was an amazing experience that is one no one could forget. We were challenged physically and mentally, which showed people’s ability in themselves and the encouragement to support others. We supported each other in all aspects while also having fun along the way!” Sarah Gugiatti
“This Year 10 Outdoor Ed expedition was my favourite camp ever, I’m so grateful I got this opportunity. The memories made and the friendships created will last forever. I had such a fun time going out of my comfort zone and challenging myself.” Freya Hollick
“I really enjoyed this expedition. The activities and people I was surrounded with made it truly unforgettable. I am so thankful to have been given such a memorable opportunity.” Tess Kinsella
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
