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Week 8 of Term 1 was an exciting time for our Year 11 Outdoor Education General class as they embarked on their first excursion of the year. The focus was on safety briefings, rigging, and abseiling. The students led two single-day trips to Statham’s Quarry in the Perth Hills. Throughout Term 1 they honed a variety of practical rigging and roping skills, along with the theoretical knowledge to support their abseiling practice.

Day 1 saw students taking charge by delivering a SAFEROPESPORTS briefing, tying knots, setting up multipoint anchors and conducting safety checks before abseiling. On Day 2 each student invited a parent or family member to experience abseiling. The students were responsible for briefing their family members, fitting their helmets and harnesses and guiding them through safety procedures and abseiling techniques. It was wonderful to see many participants trying abseiling for the first time.

Despite the exceptionally hot and challenging conditions, it was pleasing to see the students step out of their comfort zones. Activities such as safety briefings, rigging, and knot tying encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership, while giving students the chance to push their boundaries. By planning and guiding their peers and family members, students gained confidence in their ability to teach and lead others. These experiences foster resilience, communication, and a sense of responsibility, all of which are essential life skills. By providing our students with hands-on learning experiences we hope to challenge them to develop both academically and personally, preparing them for future success in all aspects of life.

Everyone is to be commended for an outstanding excursion and for positively representing themselves and the College. A special thank you to Mr Nick Fletcher and Ms Simone Bykerk for their expertise and for giving up their Friday and Saturday to share this experience with us.

Mr Damien Stevens 
Health and Physical Education Teacher