Outdoor Education General Programme In 2019 the Outdoor Education General programme was offered for the first time as a curriculum-based programme through the Physical Education Department. The course aims to develop an understanding of our relationships with the environment, others and ourselves. The Outdoor Education General course is based on the experiential learning cycle. This cycle is made up of three stages: plan, do and review. Students plan and undertake a range of outdoor activities and develop knowledge and skills for participating safely. They learn to assess risk and identify and apply appropriate management strategies and emergency response procedures. Year 11 students have been taught and assessed in snorkelling, roping, mountain biking and orienteering. The two compulsory expeditions included:
Rottnest Snorkelling Expedition Boys looked into the best snorkelling sites and ran group sessions at specific locations depending on conditions. In preparation for the expedition, every student achieved their Bronze Medallion.
Munda Biddi Expedition Students learnt bicycle mechanics and planned a route along the Munda Biddi Trail from Manjimup to Nannup, splitting the 87 kilometres into sections for small groups to lead and plot emergency evacuation locations. In physical preparation for the expedition, students organised spin and assault bike sessions. This year, the inaugural group of Year 12 students learnt surfing, abseiling, canoeing and kayaking. The two compulsory expeditions included:
Caving and Abseiling Expedition In preparation for this expedition students learnt general roping and climbing skills, and how to belay and abseil. Over three days students travelled to the Margaret River region and participated in adventure caving, abseiling and rock climbing in Golgotha Cave, Calgardup Pipe, Brides Cave and Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs. They developed their technical skills and applied appropriate practices to ensure safe participation.
Canoeing Expedition Boys selected a suitable section of the Murray River, travelling from Murray Hut and paddling for three days, with everything that they needed, to the Scotch College Moray site. In preparation the boys learnt about moving water, rapids and how to canoe in the school pool. They led briefing and debriefing sessions and appraised their own and others’ leadership skills. Hypothermia was a significant risk factor with the cold-water temperature and weather conditions, which the boys successfully planned for, making it a very enjoyable expedition. Mr Cas Gabriels Curriculum Leader – Health and Physical Education
50 Mile Walk The 34th annual 50 Mile Walk took place over the August long weekend, with Year 11 boys from Anderson, Shearer and Stuart Houses taking part in this unique challenge. On the Thursday afternoon, 20 boys and a team of 11 staff departed Scotch College for Moray in Dwellingup. The night was filled with plenty of food, ice-breaker games and the traditional strapping of feet. Shaye Pett had the honour of reading No Sweat, by former staff member Greg Peck (OSC 1971), to the boys this year, and it was then that the enormity of the challenge started to sink in for the walkers. At 3am on Friday morning, the walkers woke to the sound of Max de Nardi’s bagpipes blaring The Lion Sleeps Tonight. At 3.45am, bagpipes again filled the early morning sky to the tune of the school song and the walkers were on their way. Each hour, they were met by a team of support staff who transported their bags, water bottles and food. The group set a cracking pace early in the morning, with the support crew working hard to beat the walkers to each stop. At the stop near Stringers Campsite around 10am, they were greeted by two PLC nurses who kindly volunteered their time to support them. Many boys used this stop to get their feet re-strapped and to get rid of some layers of clothes as they headed towards the warmest part of the day. The pace slowed up during the afternoon, yet spirits raised when they were met by over 20 parents at the dinner stop near Baden Powell around 4.30pm. Warm clothes and head torches were put on again, as the group started their final few legs. The completion of the 50 Mile Walk is always a special moment, with Max de Nardi bagpiping the walkers through the streamers and balloons to the cheers of parents and the support staff. Twenty boys and four staff completed the 50 Mile Walk this year. A huge congratulations to all the boys who made the decision to take on this gruelling challenge. A massive thank you must go to the following staff who were involved: Lisa Evans, Nick Guard, Nick Warrington, Shaye Pett, Meg Baker, David Kyle, Prue Bermingham and PLC staff Audrey Lee, Phoebe Robinson and Nanette Smith. Mr Scott Galipo Mathematics Teacher
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