Learning
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education helps students develop resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills, while fostering a deeper connection with nature and building confidence in facing challenges both indoors and out.
The Outdoor Education curriculum at Pakenham Secondary College provides students with hands-on experiences that foster personal growth, resilience, and a deeper connection with the natural world. Through a combination of classroom learning and outdoor adventures, students develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and environmental awareness. Our program offers a range of exciting opportunities, from adventurous expeditions to local excursions, encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones and build confidence in their abilities.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
At Pakenham Secondary College, the Duke of Edinburgh Award provides students with the opportunity to challenge themselves, build resilience, and develop valuable life skills through a variety of outdoor adventures. This prestigious program encourages personal growth and self-discovery by pushing students outside their comfort zones.
Students engage in exciting activities such as surfing, rock climbing, and hiking in beautiful locations like Wilsons Promontory and the Great Ocean Walk. As part of the award, students complete two key expeditions: a practice hike to hone their outdoor skills and a qualifying trek that allows them to demonstrate their growth and abilities.
Beyond outdoor adventure, the Duke of Edinburgh Award also includes opportunities for students to explore important themes such as teamwork, leadership, and community engagement. Our partnership with Evergreen Retirement Village further enriches the program, giving students the chance to connect with elderly residents, fostering empathy, respect, and intergenerational understanding.
Through these experiences, students gain skills that prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of life, enhancing their leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Explore Outdoors
The 'Explore Outdoors' elective at Pakenham Secondary College offers students an exciting blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on outdoor experiences. This program introduces students to the fundamentals of outdoor education, focusing on topics such as risk management, environmental awareness, and planning outdoor adventures.
Students apply their classroom learning through a range of excursions that allow them to explore the natural world. These excursions include a 3-day surf camp at Wilsons Promontory, a hiking camp, snorkelling at Portsea, and indoor rock climbing at Bayside Rock.
Through these activities, students develop important life skills such as decision-making, teamwork, and physical endurance. They also gain a deeper appreciation for nature and the environment. The 'Explore Outdoors' elective equips students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate outdoor challenges, while preparing them for life as responsible and informed outdoor enthusiasts.
In this section
Camps and Excursions
Camps and excursions at Pakenham Secondary College offer students valuable opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom. These experiences allow students to develop important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience, while exploring new environments and activities. From outdoor adventures and cultural excursions to team-building camps, these experiences encourage personal growth, broaden perspectives, and foster lasting memories that enhance both academic learning and social development.
