Outdoor & Environmental Studies

Course Description

VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies is concerned with the ways humans interact with and relate to outdoor environments. ‘Outdoor environments’ covers environments that have minimum influence from humans, as well as those environments that have been subject to different levels of human intervention. The study enables students to make informed comment on questions of environmental sustainability and to understand the importance of environmental health.

In this study both passive and active outdoor activities provide the means for students to develop knowledge of outdoor environments. This is then enhanced through the study of outdoor environments from perspectives of environmental history, ecology and the social studies of human relationships with nature. The study also examines the  interplay between outdoor environments and humans.

Unit 3 - Historical 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. They also examine the dynamic nature of relationships between humans and their environment. Students are involved in one or more experiences in outdoor environments, including in areas where there is evidence of human interaction. Through these practical experiences students are able to make comparisons between outdoor environments, as well as to develop knowledge and skills about specific natural environments.

Unit 4 - Sustainable outdoor relationships

In this unit students explore the sustainable use and management of outdoor environments. They examine the state of environments in Australia, consider the importance of healthy outdoor environments, and examine the issues relating to the capacity of outdoor environments to support the future needs of the Australian population. Students examine the importance of developing a balance between human needs and the conservation of outdoor environments and consider the skills needed to be environmentally responsible citizens. They investigate current acts and conventions as well as management strategies for achieving and maintaining healthy and sustainable environments in contemporary Australian society. Students engage in one or more related experiences in outdoor environments. 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 are able to make comparisons between outdoor environments, as well as to develop and apply knowledge about outdoor environments.