Year 12 Outdoor and Environmental Studies
(Unit 3 & 4)

COURSE OUTLINE

Unit 3: Relationships with Outdoor Environments 

The focus of this unit is the ecological, historical and social contexts of relationships between humans and outdoor environments in Australia. Case studies of a range of impacts on outdoor environments are examined in the context of the changing nature of human relationships with outdoor environments in Australia over 60,000 years.

Students consider several factors that influence relationships with outdoor environments. They also examine the dynamic nature of relationships between humans and their environment.

Students are involved in multiple experiences in outdoor environments, including in areas where there is evidence of human interaction. Through these practical experiences, students make comparisons between, and reflect upon, outdoor environments, as well as develop theoretical knowledge and skills about specific outdoor environments.

Students undertake an independent investigation into the changing relationships with, and sustainability of, at least two different visited outdoor environments across both Units 3 and 4, which is assessed in Unit 4, Outcome 3. 

Unit 4: Sustainable Outdoor Relationships 

In this unit students explore the sustainable use and management of outdoor environments. They observe and assess the health of outdoor environments and consider the importance of this health for the future of Australian outdoor environments and the Australian population.

Students examine the importance of the sustainability of human relationships with outdoor environments and the urgent need to balance human needs and the needs of outdoor environments. They investigate current acts and conventions as well as management strategies for achieving and maintaining healthy and sustainable Australian outdoor environments in contemporary Australian society. 

Students engage in multiple related experiences in outdoor environments, conducting an ongoing investigation into the health of, and care for, these places. They learn and apply the practical skills and knowledge required to sustain healthy outdoor environments and evaluate the strategies and actions they employ. Through these practical experiences, students reflect upon outdoor environments and make comparisons between them by applying theoretical knowledge developed about outdoor environments.

As global citizens, students investigate how individuals and community members take action towards promoting sustainable and healthy outdoor environments and describe possible solutions to threats facing outdoor environments and their sustainability.

Students undertake an independent investigation into the changing relationships with, and sustainability of, at least two different visited outdoor environments across both Units 3 and 4, which is assessed in Unit 4, Outcome 3. 

ASSESSMENT TASKS 

• Unit 3 SACs 25% 

• Unit 4 SACs 25% 

• Examination 50% 

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS/EQUIPMENT

 
VCE Outdoor & Environmental Studies includes both theoretical learning and hands-on experiences. As part of Units 3 & 4, students must complete 50 hours of excursions. To cover the cost of these activities, families will be asked to pay a fee of approximately $300. Families eligible for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) can use this funding to help cover the excursion costs.

During Year 12 Outdoor & Environmental Studies students may participate in:

• Seal & Dolphin Swim

• Bushwalking

• Orienteering

• Surfing/Stand-up Paddleboarding

• Mountain Biking

• Rock Climbing

• Visit to the Torquay Surf Museum

• Conservation