Outdoor learning engages students in practical and active educational experiences which take place in natural settings beyond the classroom. Through interaction with the environment, students foster a connection to the natural world, promoting wellbeing and sustainability of individuals, society and our environment.

We believe that students need adventure

School camps are an integral part of the learning journey for young people, helping them to learn more about their own character and strengthen relationships with their peers.

The College elective program (starting at Year 9) offers many camps for students to experience should they choose Outdoor and Environmental Studies as one of their subjects.

Outdoor and Environmental Studies - Elective Program

Notre Dame College runs an extensive Outdoor and Environmental studies elective program starting at Year 9, with a Semester length unit based around introducing students to the wonders of the outdoors. Students use high quality equipment (supplied by the College) to cook on trangias, practice tent set up, loading a pack correctly, understanding weather and minimal impact. Students apply these skills during two separate overnight camps.

Year 9 Outdoor and Environmental Studies Camps:

• 2-day Kooyoora Bushwalk

• 2-day Beechworth to Bright Bike Camp

Students can apply to accelerate VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies Units 1 & 2 in Year 10 and Units 3 & 4 in Year 11. Unit 1 OES focuses on individuals and their personal responses to experiencing outdoor environments. Students experience the following activities over two separate camps:

• 3-day canoe trip on the Murray River from Yarrawonga to Cobram in Term 1

• 4-day Great Ocean Walk leaving from Apollo Bay in Term 2

Unit 2 OES focuses on the different ways to understand outdoor environments and the impact of humans on outdoor environments. Students log their experience and observations from two separate camps:

• 4-day cross-country & downhill ski trip to Falls Creek in Term 3

• 3-day student - planned group bushwalk around the Bogong High Plains in Term 4

Unit 3 focuses on the ecological, historical and social contexts of relationships between humans and outdoor environments in Australia.

Unit 4 focuses on exploring the sustainable use and management of outdoor environments.

Unit 3 & 4 Outdoor and Environmental Studies Camps & activities:

• 5 Day Coastal – Grampians camp (surfing, bushwalking, Indigenous cultural talk, windfarm visit, Maremma penguin protection talk)

• Barmah National Park field trip

• Local Goulburn River, Shepparton area field trip – biodiversity, water quality

• Overnight 2 day Alpine Ski Camp

• Sustainable building design - renewable energy field trip