Report: Maddy George, 9/10 Outdoor Education teacher
This term in Outdoor Ed, the Year 9/10 students had the opportunity to go snorkelling in Port Phillip Bay and hiking at the You Yangs National Park.
Both of these excursions allowed students to get outside their comfort zones and experience activities they may not normally get the chance to participate in.
Last term we went sea kayaking in the bay near Sandringham and were able to witness different human impacts in this area. Being able to return to the Bay and experience it further out was an exciting opportunity for the students.
We snorkelled with seals, fish, jellyfish, seahorses, starfish, and a variety of other marine life in Port Phillip Bay while out on a three-hour boat cruise. The students were able to get up close to the animals and learn about the coral reefs in Victoria and how to protect them for future generations.
On the day hike, students climbed Flinders Peak and had a 360 degree view over the landscape. In the distance they were able to clearly see Port Phillip Bay, as well as Melbourne city and the Macedon Ranges. The students worked together to explore the rocky outcrops once at the top of the peak and complete the hike uphill.
The Outdoor Ed students should be very proud of their efforts this semester and the personal growth they have experienced and new social connections formed.