Island adventure

Island

EOTC is the term used to describe curriculum-based teaching and learning that extends beyond the four walls of the classroom. EOTC can range from a museum visit to a sports competition, an outdoor education camp, or a trip to a rocky shore. EOTC can also take place in the school grounds, in the local community, or in regions further afield, including overseas. Links that students are able to make between the classroom and real-world experiences can be critical to their long-term learning.

EOTC is an essential part of school life in New Zealand and at Dio. We are indeed fortunate to be able to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the wider community and the environment. Camp experiences give students the chance to learn in a variety of contexts in order to gain the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values required to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, take responsibility for their own safety, form positive and respectful relationships with their peers, teachers and accompanying adults, and importantly, the environment. Staying away from home for a few nights is a powerful way of developing key life skills and provides opportunities for learners and teachers to strengthen their relationships. Such experiences contribute to deepening students’ awareness of key competencies, principles, and values while bringing learning areas alive in real-life contexts. All year levels in the Junior School are involved in EOTC experiences.

This year, Year 6 EOTC focused on personal challenge, developing teamwork, appreciating New Zealand’s unique diverse environment, environmental awareness and future thinking. Great Barrier Island was an ideal location to embark on team challenges, learn about sustainability, as well as instilling a love and appreciation for nature. Towards the end of last year Nicole Lewis, Dean of Year 6, and our EOTC staff member, Rebecca Abbott, spent time on the island planning the experience for the girls with the help of the Hillary Outdoor Centre.

Orama Oasis at Karaka Bay on Great Barrier Island was a new camp for us, and it provided many exciting opportunities for the girls. Throughout the week they took part in a range of activities including high ropes, flying Kiwi, creek challenge, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, the 3km Harataonga loop hike, Glen Fern Sanctuary and future-thinking tasks where, in groups, the girls had to create their ideal utopia, a sustainable island.

High ropes was such fun! We climbed a huge cargo net, which was really hard because the net kept swinging. Then we did the Flying Kiwi – I ran off the cliff while everyone pulled me back and I felt like I was flying. It was amazing!

Zoe Elliott-Forster-Clampitt

In my Future Thinking session, we did some problem-solving activities. We had to design an environmentally friendly, sustainable island. Mine had solar panels, and a railway connected to a water turbine so we didn’t have to use fuel to power the train. We also thought about using lamps with glowing algae.

April Hou

O H W THE WORLD WO R KS

Central idea • Access to finite and renewable resources can impact the world around us

Lines of inquiry • Humans have a role to play in world resources • Energy production is connected to our everyday lives • The impact renewable and non-renewable resources have on our planet

Key concepts • Form – what is it like? • Function – how does it work? • Change – how is it transforming?

Learner profile • Thinker • Knowledgeable

Approaches to Learning • Thinking skills

My group went on the creek challenge with lots of slippery rocks for us to try and get over. One of our challenges was getting down really low and crawling through the caves. I found it quite easy, so the instructor told me to try going backwards! This was my favourite activity because I love climbing rocks and it made me feel so good.

My group went to the wharf and all together we paddled on the paddle board out to the pontoon, where we did lots of team challenges. It was so much fun, and I really liked the way we all supported each other and took risks together. This was my favourite activity of the day!

Poppy Donald

Today was exciting because on the hike I got to learn more about nature. I had to think about where I was stepping. When someone in my group was finding it hard, we encouraged them, and made up songs to help each other climb up the steep parts. We saw some beautiful views and when we got to the top, it felt like we were on top of the world!