Be prepared to make the step This term in the Primary School, we are looking at the College value of ‘Courage’. Courage can come in many forms and differs depending on a child’s experiences and age. No matter what, a child needs to be courageous at some stage. The great Nelson Mandela explains, “courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it”. As a College, it is our responsibility to teach and empower students how to be courageous by giving them a range of experiences and strategies to step out of their ‘comfort zone’. I have been explaining to the students at the Primary School Assemblies what the comfort zone is and the characteristics of each stage. Many students, like adults, are happy to be in their comfort zone. However, at FCAC, we encourage students to step out of this zone into their fear zone to progress into their learning and growth zones. Essentially, learning and growth are one of any primary school student’s main goals. The ‘fear zone’ is a place where students lack confidence, find excuses and can be affected by others’ opinions. Stepping through this zone allows individuals to achieve new dreams and goals and find their purpose.
One of the purposes of the Outdoor Education program in the Primary is to gradually build the challenging experiences throughout the years. When students need to do this, and the opportunities experienced at school and home will enable them to thrive when faced with this situation. In Year One, students spend a night at school, whilst in Years 5 and 6, students spend numerous nights away and participate in activities such as surfing, giant swings and camping. The progression of these experiences enables students to step out of their comfort zone with the support of their teachers and peers. Over the next two terms, all year levels will participate in school camp to grow as individuals. There will be times throughout these experiences where courage will be needed. I encourage you to discuss with your son or daughter about their time at FCAC and being willing to step out of their comfort zone. There will come a time when students need to do this, and the opportunities experienced at school and home will enable them to thrive when faced with this situation.
To take the journey of stepping out of their comfort zone, FCAC provides meaningful experiences and opportunities for this. At FCAC, we teach and nurture these experiences regularly. We do not just want it to refer to a physical experience but academic and cultural experiences. Teachers will be by their student’s sides to show them how taking risks can lead to excellent personal rewards. Encouraging children to do this more often will promote growth in any area they choose to pursue later in life. These opportunities are clearly evident in the College Outdoor Education experience. Article by Mr David Brown, Deputy Head of the Primary School Page 8
