THE YEAR OF COURAGE CRICOS Provider No 00140K
YEAR 10 HORIZONS
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We wish to pay respect to the Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to other Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders of this Nation.
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YEAR 10 HORIZONS 2020 Dear Parents, The Department of Education has directed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all camps and excursions, both Domestic and International, are to be placed on hold. With this in mind, and the uncertainty surrounding Australian State and Territory entry restrictions, we have made the decision to postpone and redesign the Horizons Outdoor Education Program options. We are still absolutely committed to delivering a meaningful and engaging program that allows the students to find and follow their passions. We believe now more than ever, that the girls will benefit from having time together to share these experiences in the natural environment. The program is carefully designed to have a range of options that allow each student the opportunity to take ownership of their learning and expand previous experiences in the outdoors. Each program offers different levels of challenge and experience which will provide valuable opportunities for personal growth and extend students’ understanding of themselves and their social and physical environments. In the final weeks of Term 4, 2020 and after the exam period, your daughter will participate in the newly designed Horizons Outdoor Education Program. Exact times and dates will be published in the coming weeks once we have further information to make an informed decision. This program is an integral and compulsory component of the Year 10 Curriculum. Please note each program must be completed in its entirety. We hope we are in a position to safely and appropriately deliver this program, however, given the current uncertainty, a final decision regarding the suitability of the program proceeding will be made closer to the date. To assist with planning and bookings, we require your daughter’s preferences by Monday, 11 May 2020. Your daughter will be required to complete the following online form. Our aim is to keep students in their previously allocated program where applicable (i.e. Sea Kayaking/Sailing). However, given we have some new options, some students may wish to change their preference. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=9yGaSMJ550mk_ PS1yEJMPrPaV2nypg1EoD2aQ1Q3lyhUQUMxUlBWVU1UU1owMjdTUzEwUzk3Q0tLSyQlQCN0PWcu Please read the summaries carefully and discuss the options with your daughter. We will aim to give every student one of their preferences. It is unlikely we can change options once these selections have been submitted and allocations have been published. Please note all programs are subject to minimum and maximum student numbers. All Outdoor Education programs are included in the School fees, except the Overland Track and SCUBA Diving course, which incur an additional cost. Most programs will require students to supply their own meals, however, this is yet to be determined. All programs are subject to change. A detailed Information Booklet specific to the program your daughter will be participating in, will be sent to you at the start of Term 4, 2020. Students will also complete several planning sessions during school time to prepare them for their program. Please do not hesitate to contact the Outdoor Education Department if you have any questions or would like to meet to discuss the program. We want every parent and student to feel comfortable and well informed before making any decisions and consenting to the program. Please email outdoored@firbank.vic.edu.au. We are very pleased to be able to offer this program to our students and we are confident the lessons learned will contribute to the skills and attributes your daughter requires to face challenges well into the future. CRICOS Provider No 00140K
Yours sincerely,
Mr Bernie Mills Head of Outdoor Education
Mrs Leandra Turner Deputy Principal Head of Senior School
O V E R LAND TRACK
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Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park 8 days
The Overland Track is known nationally and internationally as one of the great wilderness bushwalks. This expedition includes 6 full days hiking through the heart of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area. The Overland Track is over 65 kilometres in length and winds its way through a diverse range of environments all different and incredibly beautiful. The girls will cross rugged mountain ranges, temperate rainforests, alpine gardens and discover amazing waterfalls. Weather permitting, students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of side-trips, including summitting Mt Ossa (1617 m) – Tasmania’s highest peak. The walk begins at Cradle Mountain and concludes at Australia’s deepest lake – Lake St Clair before students catch a ferry to the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre. Students will be required to be fully self sufficient and carry all their gear and food. They will be sleeping in tents for the entire hike. There is an additional cost of $500 for this trip. Students will be required to selfcater for the entire expedition. Due to strict permit requirements, numbers will be limited. Students will fly to Launceston or Hobart and be transported by bus whilst in Tasmania. * If we are unable to travel to Tasmania or the National Park is closed, we intend students to complete a 5 day hike from Mt Feathertop to Mt Bogong, the top two highest mountains in Victoria’s Alpine National Park. There would be no additional cost for this option. CRICOS Provider No 00140K
T R AIL R UNNING
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Falls Creek 5 days
Australia has arguably some of the world’s best and accomplished trail runners and trails. Trail running and adventure racing is becoming one of the fastest growing sports around the world. We have designed a program that will introduce our students to trail running in an awe inspiring location, the Victorian Alps. Students will have the opportunity to summit some of Australia’s highest mountains and see the most spectacular views. The trails at Falls Creek range from flat well-manicured walking and vehicle tracks to rugged and remote single tracks through extreme alpine terrain, the perfect location to cater for varied abilities. We are very excited at the possibility that Lucy Bartholomew and Jacqui Bell, two young and highly accomplished Ultra Trail runners, may join us on this program. Lucy Bartholomew, pictured right (top), ran her first 100km race aged 15, and has continued on to win many ultra events around the world. Jacqui Bell, pictured right (bottom), is the youngest person in the world to complete the Deserts Grand Slam, four 250 km ultras across four of the deserts in the world. She is also the youngest person in the world to run an ultra marathon on all 7 continents. We envisage the students will complete a range of day trips. One possible goal would be for the girls to run from Falls Creek to Mt Hotham (approximately 37 km) in one day. No previous experience is required, however, a good level of general fitness is necessary. It would be expected students complete some training prior to the program. Students will stay in dormitory accommodation at Howmans Gap Alpine Centre. CRICOS Provider No 00140K
This program could merge or include mountain bike riding, depending on student numbers and interest, however, this is yet to be determined. We will seek student feedback once we have reviewed preferences.
SCUBA D I V ING
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Bellarine Peninsula 7 days (including 2 days at school prior to program)
This program enables students to complete a PADI certified Open Water Dive course on the Bellarine Peninsula. The Open Water certification will allow students to dive to 18 metres. This is an internationally recognised certification allowing students to continue diving beyond the program. Students will complete two days of theory and pool sessions at Firbank in the weeks prior to completing a number of shore and boat dives on the Bellarine Peninsula. We will work in partnership with Ocean Divers to deliver this course. Firbank has worked with Ocean Divers for a number of years. Ocean Divers is a PADI Five Star Instructor Development Centre. Students will be trained through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) which is the largest recreational scuba teaching organisation in the world. Ocean Divers Five Star rating is the highest recognition for training, service and professionalism available. PADI is recognised in over 80 countries and teaches more than 75% of the world’s scuba divers. The lead instructor from Ocean Divers, who we expect will accompany the group and lead the program is an ‘International Women Divers Hall of Fame’ inductee. She was the second Australian to be selected for this award based on her extensive training, teaching and technical diving experience, especially amongst female divers. Students will visit a Marine Discovery Centre and Maritime Museum. There may also be the opportunity to participate in a seal snorkel at Pope’s Eye Marine Reserve and Chinaman’s Hat. Students will be staying in dormitory accommodation at Queenscliff Lodge and will be expected to self-cater. Students will be transported by mini bus throughout the program.
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Each student will need to complete a Medical Clearance from a certified Dive Doctor at their own cost. Ocean Divers will help facilitate this at a convenient time and reduced fee. Information regarding this can be found at: https://www.padi. com/sites/default/files/documents/padi-courses/2.1.5%20 rstc%20medstate%20v201.pdf and https://www.spums.org. au/. Please contact the Outdoor Education department if you have any questions regarding your daughter’s suitability for the program. A swim assessment will also be required. Students do not need to have completed the Outdoor Recreation Skill Set but need to be comfortable in and around water. There is an additional cost of $500 for this trip.
T HE C R OSSING
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Bermagui 7 days
‘The Crossing’ provides students with opportunities to develop a greater level of practical understanding of the natural world. The focus of this program will be to develop a strong environmental appreciation and encourage sustainable living perspectives. The program is designed to facilitate experiential learning through community living in a self-sustainable environment. The students are responsible for managing their own resources such as food, water and firewood. The students will be involved in designing the program, which will consist of completing a range of activities on the self-sustainable farm. Students will paddle canoes to visit and participate in a major landcare project supporting koala habitats. Students may also complete a two day return walk through the National Park to assist a fire affected farming family on a dairy farm. This would be a really unique experience and a perfect opportunity to see first hand the impact of fires and assist a community that is in need. An overnight campout on the edge of the farm would be part of the assistance experience. The Crossing works with universities, schools and runs public courses on permaculture, natural bee keeping, environmental photography, grafting, land care and sustainable design. Students may wish to focus on one or more of these options. Students will stay in unique train carriages when staying at ‘The Crossing’. Most food will come from the farm that the students will collect and help manage. This truly is a program putting sustainability into action. Students will be transported by coach whilst on the program. CRICOS Provider No 00140K
For more information: http://thecrossing.thebegavalley.org.au/ * If it is not suitable to travel to Bermagui, students will be allocated to another program. All students will have an opportunity to complete a preference process again.
SE A K AYAKING & S AILING
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Gippsland Lakes 7 days
We have partnered with Gippsland Recreation Outdoors (GRO) and Riviera Nautic to offer this spectacular sailing and sea kayaking adventure on the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria. Students will spend 6 days journeying around the Lakes National Park and Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. They will be split into two groups and spend half the week doing each activity. Students will have the opportunity to explore the extensive and impressive Ramsar listed wetlands, home to the burrunan dolphins and an abundance of migratory birds and marine life. The program allows for excellent walking and exploring on 90 Mile Beach. Students will be camping in tents and cooking on camp stoves for the sea kayaking component and sleeping on the yachts for the sailing part. Students will be required to self-cater for the entire program. Gippsland Recreation Outdoors and Riviera Nautic have been operating in the Gippsland Lakes for many years. Their intimate knowledge of the area allows us access to explore the impressive isolated locations in a safe and engaging manner. Both companies have sound risk management procedures and support systems. The program is designed to have an expedition feel, where the groups are self-sufficient and contact with the broader public is minimised. Riviera Nautic and Gippsland Recreation Outdoors (GRO), will facilitate the entire program with continual weather and conditions information. Guides from GRO will lead the sea kayaking component and skippers from GRO and experienced Firbank staff will help sail the bareboat yachts. Given the recent impacts from the fires in East Gippsland, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to be able to support this region and learn first hand about the environmental, wellbeing and economical impacts. It is expected that students will gain a greater understanding of the challenges of managing this marine environment. Students will have opportunities to reflect on their environmental ‘footprint’ and come up with ways in which they could contribute to a healthier and happier environment. CRICOS Provider No 00140K
Students will be transported by coach to Metung, where they will start and finish the expedition. No sea kayaking or sailing experience is required, however, confidence in and around water is needed.
N AT U RE PH O T OGR AP HY
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Falls Creek 5 days
Photography and videography are wonderful ways to explore and connect with the outdoors. This program is designed to teach the fundamental skills of capturing environments and moments through a lens. This program can cater for any ability. Students will be involved in designing the program based on their interests and desired projects. There will be a strong focus on practical learning which will draw on the fundamental principles of powerful imagery. This includes light, composition, contrast, narrative and movement. They will progress to further develop their understanding of more advanced concepts such as manual camera control, the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, correct lens choice and artificial lighting, culminating and applying these skills through a range of photographic genres including portrait, wildlife, landscape and action photography. Students will be exposed to a range of high end equipment but also be taught techniques with their own cameras including Smartphones. Students will be able to use professional applications (Adobe Suite) to help them catalogue their imagery along with applying post production techniques to enhance both the aesthetics and narrative of their images and videos. Such techniques include colour and contrast adjustment, cropping and composition, layering and composite imagery. We intend to have Stephen Curtain, a teacher and international cinematographer work with our students for the entire program. Stephen Curtain (pictured bottom right) has extensive experience in a wide range of environments including time spent in Antarctica working as a field guide and videographer. CRICOS Provider No 00140K
We expect to base the program at Howmans Gap Alpine Centre, Falls Creek. This is a central location to explore a spectacular natural environment with inspiring vistas, flora and fauna.
L OCAL S AILING
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Sandringham 5 days (DAY ONLY PROGRAM)
The sailing program comprises five days of accredited marine training. Upon completion, students will receive Yachting Australia certificates in Dinghies, Keelboats and Powerboats. There is also the opportunity to participate in Stand Up Paddleboarding. The program will be conducted through Sandringham Yacht Club. Students will work with qualified instructors to assist with their skill progression and completion of each component of the course. This is a DAY ONLY program. Students will be transported to and from Firbank each day. They will be advised of exact times when weather conditions are known. It is expected that the times will fall within school hours. Students will be able to continue to develop their skills and experience by representing the Firbank Sailing Club at competitions in future years. The qualifications attained throughout the program are an excellent starting point for those wishing to pursue opportunities within this field. This program also allows students who have morning and/or evening commitments in Melbourne to attend them whilst still making the most of the Horizons Outdoor Education program.
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MO UN TAIN B IKE R I DING
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Falls Creek 5 days
Falls Creek has quickly become a favourite destination for mountain bikers in summer. With an amazing single track network as well as a wealth of back country trails, Falls Creek appeals to all levels of riders. The Outdoor Education Department will work directly with the group to design a program that caters for their experience, confidence and personal goals. We are confident that we can develop an exceptional program in partnership with Howmans Gap Alpine Centre. We envisage that the students will be based out of Howmans Gap Alpine Centre and participate in a range of exciting day trips. One possible goal would be to ride from the top of Falls Creek down to the valley in Mt Beauty. Students would drop approximately 1,480 m in elevation. Although this is an introductory mountain bike riding program, students should only choose this option if they are a confident bike rider. This program could merge or include trail running, depending on student numbers and interest, however, this is yet to be determined. We will seek student feedback once we have reviewed preferences.
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S UR FING
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Gold Coast 5 days
Surfing Australia High Performance Centre is world leading facility available to surfers of all levels. The facility was designed and funded in consultation with the Australian Institute of Sport and features state of the art education facilities, surf specific gymnasium, skate centre, auditorium and accommodation. This program is open to students of all surfing abilities including beginners. Students will have access to elite coaches and a dietitian. Students will participate in an innovative program which will include two surf sessions per day as well as video analysis, strength and conditioning training, elite athlete meal planning and land based gym and board activities. Students will be expected to fully immerse themselves in a demanding surf program that aims to improve technique and engagement regardless of a students’ initial ability. All students must have fully completed their Bronze Medallion at the time of preference submission. This was a compulsory part of the Year 9 curriculum and all the students were aware of this requirement at the time. The High Performance Centre is situated at Casuarina Beach, on the border of NSW and Queensland. Most surf sessions will be conducted at Kingscliff, Cabarita and Snapper Rocks/Greenmount, depending on the surf conditions. Students will fly into the Gold Coast and be transported by buses for the entire program. * If it is not suitable to travel to the Gold Coast, we intend for the students to participate in a surf program in Anglesea, partnering with Go Ride a Wave. CRICOS Provider No 00140K
For further information, please see http://www.surfingaustraliahpc.com/
R OCK C L I M B ING
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Mount Arapiles - Tooan State Park 5 days
Mt Arapiles is a world-renowned rock climbing area. There are more than 3000 routes on the many cliffs, crags and pinnacles, presenting diverse challenges for all levels of experience. No prior experience of rock climbing is required for this program. We will work in partnership with the Climbing Company to deliver this program. The Climbing Company has over four decades of experience in designing and leading rock climbing programs at Mt Arapiles. Qualified instructors will conduct a range of sessions that will introduce the girls to the activity in a safe and controlled manner. Students will receive expert coaching to help them progress and develop their climbing and abseiling ability as well as learning key skills in safety, anchor systems, knots, rope management, belay techniques, equipment selection, strategy, route planning and rescue techniques. Students will be given the option of being lead on a low grade multi-pitch climb towards the end of the trip. Students will sleep in tents in the Mount Arapiles - Tooan State Park and will selfcater for the entire program. Students will be transported by coach to the destination.
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THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD Firbank has a proud history of delivering The Duke of Edinburgh International Award. All Year 10 students are encourage to complete the Silver Award after completing the Bronze Award in Year 9. By participating in all Preparation Assemblies and completing any Outdoor Education Horizons Program, students satisfy requirements for the Adventurous Journeys Section of the Silver level. For links to learn more about the Silver Award and enrol, please see the Silver Award Duke of Ed page on Firefly. Firbank.fireflycloud.net.au/duke-of-ed/ silver-award This must be accessed via your daughter’s Firbank login. If you have any questions please contact Andrew Johansen, Compass & Duke of Edinburgh Award Coordinator, at dukeofed@firbank.vic.edu.au.
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51 Outer Crescent, Brighton Vic 3186 • ELC - Year 12 • Girls Campus 45 Royal Avenue, Sandringham Vic 3191 • ELC - Year 6 • Co-educational Campus firbank.vic.edu.au • CRICOS Provider No 00140K