OUTDOOR EDUCATION COVID again hit the 2021 Outdoor Education programme at CGS, and camps week was cancelled for the second year in a row Luckily, before lockdown, Year 9 students could participate in the rolling Camp programme run by the CGS Outdoor Education team, reintroduced after a break of 4 years. Students undertook a four-day Outdoor Education programme using locations close to Canberra, including Bungonia and Namadgi National Parks. The programme is designed to allow students to develop outdoor skills, which will give them a good base to undertake a major expedition when they reach Year 10. The programme will enable them to develop independence, leadership skills and build resilience. Students are required to work in small groups to set goals and persist to achieve them. As the camp progresses, a hiking component is introduced, and communication skills are enhanced. One of the key outcomes is to empower students. The camps allow students to develop an environmental connection and develop a sense of place to allow connections to the land to become stronger and more meaningful. For many students, four days away from devices and social media is a welcome relief. The reintroduction of the camps has allowed for the Mark Sowell Award to continue to be presented to the group that achieves the most out of their camp experience. The Mark Sowell Award celebrates the life of a former student of the school, Mark Sowell. It was first presented in 1981 and is awarded to a Year 9 camp group that best emulates Mark’s qualities, those being initiative and spirit and embracing the outdoors while working together to solve any problems that may arise thoughtfully. – Sue Donoghoe, Head of Outdoor Education
OUTDOOR PURSUITS – INVITATION TO EXPLORE! Are you interested in the Outdoors? Were you the kid always climbing trees and rocks? Or do you want to try another activity that will develop your agility, persistence, flexibility and strength? Then Outdoor Pursuits is for you! With Climbing becoming an Olympic discipline in Tokyo this year, there’s a growing interest in this Co-curricular offer. We now run it on Wednesdays for Climbing and Friday for MTB. Wednesday has two groups going to three different gyms in Canberra to learn, practise and enjoy Bouldering and Top roping. Throughout the year, we’re also able to offer outdoor trips and even overnight adventures!
Last February, we took a group to White Rocks in Queanbeyan for a first experience on real rocks. Students learnt about safety, belaying techniques, but most of all had some fun! In March, more advanced climbers drove down to Tianjara falls in Morton National Park. The rocks were higher, the terrain rougher, but we had equal thrill and fun. Finally, mountain bikers spent a weekend in Thredbo last April holidays. These activities do not require any prior experience and are a great way to get active in a friendly environment with Years 7 – 12 students, helping and learning from each other. – Sophie Lerat, Assistant Head of Languages
For more information contact sophie.lerat@cgs.act.edu.au or sue.donoghoe@cgs.act.edu.au
CGS OUTLOOK 2021 | 15
