Since the end of last term nearly 60 students from Levels 1, 2 and 3 have been learning in and about te ngahere o Aotearoa. (NZ bush) Our Level 1 is very much an introduction to getting amongst it; what to expect, what to wear and take and some basic risk management. Level 2, a little more technical in terms of navigation, weather forecasting, technical gear, cooking and a more technical route. Level 3 students plan their own overnight trip and as well as refining their understanding of risk management, they are expected to gain and share understanding and empathy with the place they are in through relevant or local storytelling. Even though the in-class learning theory can be tough at times, it is always such a buzz to get into wild places with our students. A 10 minute chat with a student whilst walking along a bush track is a rare treasure. Our Year 12s and 13s have completed their tramping for the year with the Year 11’s setting off for their final tramp and overnight camp assessment this week. Congratulations to all the students who pushed themselves outside their own comfort zones and remain open minded to the natural world; what we can gain from it, and how we can give back.
