Outdoor Education

The STS Outdoor Education program aims to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for safe and effective exploration of the outdoors. The program also aims to foster curiosity about the natural world, appreciation for physical activity in nature, environmental stewardship, and healthy life choices. Additionally, the program focuses on building positive relationships and responsible leadership, encouraging students to reflect on how their outdoor learning experiences can be applied to everyday life.

Grade 10

Outdoor Education 10

Outdoor Education 10 is an elective, full-year course delivered in Grade 10. The course is centred around a model of experiential learning. Students learn by following a planned activity progression beginning in the classroom and extending into the outdoors through field-based experiences. The progression can be summarized as follows: (1) study and prepare in class for a specific (season and activity) outdoor experience, (2) take part in the planning, preparation, conducting and debriefing of a multi-day backcountry trip, (3) upon return from the trip, reflect on what was achieved, experienced and learned, and (4) apply the learning to subsequent trips to increase effectiveness, enjoyment and safety. As part of a larger progression, the Outdoor Education (OE 10) course builds on the outdoor experiences that students have gained in their earlier years at STS (or elsewhere). The OE 10 outdoor trips are three days long except for the Practice Journey, which is a day hike. The field experiences are: Practice Journey (done in either Spring or Fall); Backpacking 1; Backpacking 2; Winter Travel 1; Winter Travel 2; ROGAINE Leadership Experience.

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• Outdoor Education 10 is designed to have students complete the Practice and Adventurous Journey component of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award, a prestigious and internationally recognized achievement.

The course will be eligible for credits towards the following Career and Technology Studies (CTS) program:

• WLD1130 (1 credit): Outdoor Survival Skills (delivered primarily through the Backpacking unit and the Backpacking 1 field experience).

• WLD1060 (1 credit): Wilderness Navigation (delivered primarily through the Navigation class unit and the Backpacking 2 field experience).

• WLD1910 (1 credit): Wilderness Project A (delivered primarily through the Winter Travel unit and the Winter Travel 1 field experience).

• WLD2130 (1 credit): Outdoor Excursion (delivered primarily through the Winter Travel unit and the Winter Travel 1 field experience).

• WLD3130 (1 credit): Outdoor Leadership (delivered primarily through the Leadership class unit and the ROGAINE field experience).

• HCS2020 (1 credit): First Aid/CPR with AED (delivered primarily through the First Aid unit)

Students in OE 10 work towards earning four industry-recognized outdoor certifications:

• Remote Responder (RR) First Aid, a 24-hour wilderness first aid course recognized by Alberta Occupational Health & Safety.

• Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST1), a course developed by the Canadian Avalanche Centre and recognized by the Canadian Avalanche Association.

• Companion Rescue Skills, a course developed by the Canadian Avalanche Centre and recognized by the Canadian Avalanche Association.

• Leave No Trace certificate. This minimum impact program is now internationally recognized and used by national parks, outdoor organizations (clubs, training programs etc.) and educational institutions.

Grade 11

Outdoor Education 20

PREREQUISITE: None but Outdoor Education 10 is recommended and considered an asset

Through classroom learning and outdoor experiences, students will develop a wide range of skills and knowledge related to travel in various seasons and terrain. Students will also have the opportunity to choose areas of interest that align with their personal goals, such as outdoor and adventure photography, indigenous ways of knowing, digital navigation, backcountry cooking, environmental stewardship, or other areas of outdoor pursuits. Students enrolled in Outdoor Education 20 will be eligible for the completion of the Practice and Adventurous Journey component of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award. Trips will focus on the development and demonstration of the individual’s areas of outdoor focus.

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Outdoor Education 30

PREREQUISITE: Students must have taken either Outdoor Education 10 or Outdoor Education 20

This course is designed for students who aspire to lead in organizing and carrying out challenging outdoor expeditions. The course’s main objective is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award Adventurous Journey. The curriculum is structured around a combination of learning and hands-on experiences, which enable students to gain advanced proficiency in various outdoor activities. The course strongly emphasises understanding group dynamics, risk management, and leadership styles, which are essential skills for leading a student-led expedition. Upon completing the program, students will have the confidence and competence to plan, organize and execute a remarkable outdoor experience for themselves and their peers.

The program offers various activities tailored to the group’s interests, goals, and objectives. The trips at the OE 30 level will be determined based on the students’ efforts and will differ each year. With the skills and knowledge obtained in this program, students will be able to create unforgettable outdoor experiences that challenge and inspire themselves and their peers.

Outdoor Education 30, Module Based

PREREQUISITE: Outdoor Education 10

Students who have completed Outdoor Education 10 can take individual modules for 1-3 credits in Outdoor Education 30. These modules are distinct from the full course and allow students to engage in activities that interest them. Students will assume responsibility for planning, preparing, and executing trip outcomes. To fulfill requirements, students will work asynchronously outside of the conventional timetable. Throughout the year, there will be three activity-based opportunities that students can enrol in. Each completed activity module will earn 1 CTS credit for the student. A student cannot earn credit for both Outdoor Education 30 and the module-based option. However, if they’re enrolled in Outdoor Education 30, they may participate in the modules as a co-curricular offering.

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