Yr 13 Outdoor Pursuits
Outdoor Pursuits is best suited for students pursuing courses in Outdoor Recreation e.g. Christchurch Polytechnic, or for students who have a genuine interest in outdoor pursuits.
The aim of the course is to introduce students to a number of outdoor pursuits in a safe but challenging environment. We also aim to provide them with sufficient background knowledge and an understanding of risk, to ensure they can participate safely in their chosen pursuits.
This is primarily a practical based course. Background theory is covered for each unit and some units involve a component of research. Assessment is in a number of Unit Standards from the Outdoor Recreation Domain. These are a mixture of predominately Level 1 & 2. (Students needing Level 3 Credits should ensure their subject selection provides those options outside of Outdoor Pursuits).
Students in the course will work towards the Award “Experience the Outdoor” – Level 2 (minimum 20 credits from a range of Outdoor Recreation Unit Standards.
NB: While credit towards NCEA is possible, students may not be able to use these to meet minimum University Entrance or Bursary requirements. Credits from the Outdoor Recreation domain cannot be used to meet those criteria.
The course will involve a selection of the following activities:
- outdoor risk management
- kayaking
- rock climbing
- adventure based learning (ABL)
- weather interpretation
- first aid
- mountaineering skills and avalanche awareness
- mountain biking.
The course has a number of field trips. There are two 4-5 day residential camps to consolidate skills in kayaking and mountain-craft. Extended practicals in the morning/afternoon may mean students miss other classes and will need to arrange to catch-up.
Field trips involving time outside normal class time will take precedence over other extra-curricular commitments e.g. sport.
There is a course cost of $450.00 per student payable in Term 1.
Students must have access to basic tramping equipment – pack, boots, clothing, and be prepared to hire some specialist gear, e.g. boots suitable for walking in snow. Please check costs and budget for this early. Students without any suitable winter clothing, skis, etc. may face significant additional costs. Ski assessments are optional and involve additional costs.
Students and parents must complete a course application form and student behavioural contract. Safety is paramount and students must have demonstrated that they are reliable and responsible. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
Please note: Numbers are limited to 10 to maintain adequate safety ratios and maximize learning opportunities for students.
Students intending taking this course in 2010 should have completed a course application form in Term 4, 2009.