Outdoor Education Policy

INTRODUCTION

Our School believes that all its students should be aware of our outdoor heritage, and be provided with experiences in the "outdoors" as an integral part of producing a well-rounded New Zealand citizen.

OBJECTIVES

1. To encourage an appreciation of the New Zealand outdoors.
2. To teach students how to care for themselves and others in the outdoors.
3. To provide situations requiring tolerance and co-operation in a communal living setting.
4. To demonstrate to and instil in students a respect for and care of our country's natural environment.
5. To add an extra dimension to classroom studies by providing practical experiences.
6. To provide for students who come from different schools a sense of class unity and of belonging to Cobham.

GUIDELINES

1. All year 7 students will receive a common induction to camping and outdoor living at the beginning of their year 7, through sleeping under canvas for two nights. The School reserves the right to refuse to take any student to camp if such a student poses a behavioural or social risk.
2. Parents are encouraged to participate with their children in outdoor experiences. One adult per 6-8 students is the guideline.
3. For any camping experience, where necessary, a "back-up" teacher will accompany the class teacher. It is not essential, although preferable, for the classroom teacher to accompany his/her class on camp.
4. Year 8 camps will avoid clashing with year 7 camp times.
5. Year 8 camps may vary in location but should provide additional and/or more advanced activities and experiences compared with year 7 camps.
6. All outdoor education experiences must receive the approval of the Board of Trustees and the Principal. Full details of the camp programme and financial considerations must be given, in particular, with reference to potentially dangerous activities, e.g., yachting, canoeing, rock climbing, river crossing, rafting, swimming, and tramping. The office has the required forms.
7. A risk management plan is to be submitted to the Principal and Board of Trustees when seeking approval.
8. No undue pressure for fundraising help should be placed on caregivers and any such fundraising may only involve the School community once in Year 8.
9. No person (staff, parent, caregiver, instructor or host) is permitted to imbibe or be under the influence of alcohol or unprescribed drugs or medicines on any school site, or during any activity when interacting with students, or likely to be so within 8 hours.

View Policy in Adobe Acrobat PDF format

Chairperson: John Talbot

Approved Date: 20 October 2008

Review Date: October 2009