Calvin has an exciting and comprehensive Outdoor Education programme. Situated in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Calvin is on the doorstep of a natural wonderland. Calvin’s Outdoor Education programme provides all students from Years 3 – 12 with an opportunity to live, work and relate with others in in an appropriately challenging setting.
Outdoor Education begins in the Junior School and involves numerous opportunities for students to enhance their understanding of the world around them. Field trips, excursions and visits to places of interest are part of every year group’s teaching and learning programme. The Camp programme for Years 3 to Year 6 varies to provide a range of environments. These include beach, fresh water and forest settings, structured in two and three day formats.
Year 7 students participate in a Slum Survivor camp. The Slum Survivor camp is modeled on a simulation programme run by TEAR Australia and gives students a firsthand understanding of the realities and difficulties of life for many millions of people across the world. The camp commences with students working in slum families to build their dwelling out of cardboard and materials normally thrown away.
Year 8 students camp on Maria Island. Building on their previous experiences students are required to cater for themselves and work together to achieve common goals in one of Tasmania’s rich historical settings.
Year 9 students are introduced to a variety of Outdoor Education pursuits including hiking, abseiling, kayaking, sailing and white-water rafting. These opportunities stretch the young people assisting them to become more confident and skilled. The Year 9 programme is structured as boys own and girls own camps.
Year 10 combines and builds on previously acquired skills. Camping at Arm River in the North West students spend a week together with the assistance of Outdoor Education specialists tackling the challenges of rafting, caving, abseiling, kayaking and hiking in remote locations.
Calvin Years 10, 11 and 12 students have the opportunity to undertake formal study in the areas of Outdoor Education (Year 10) and Adventure Education and Outdoor Leadership (Years 11 & 12). These courses provide the opportunity through extended participation to acquire a greater understanding of the planning and safe conduct of the adventure activities as well as the development of leadership skills. As a part of these courses students complete a senior first aid course.
[Featured photo: Lake Rhona Hike, 2008]
