Outdoor & Environment Studies

Units 1-2

This is an excellent subject if you are interested in Outdoor Education, Recreation, Eco Tourism, Environmental Science or Resource Management. It combines a range of compulsory multi-day practical activities that explore the theory associated with environmental relationships, and concepts related to human and societal relationships with outdoor environments. The subject is 70% theory and 30% practical.

UNIT 1

This unit introduces students to the characteristics of a variety of outdoor environments. Students undertake a number of case studies of different types of environments and develop appropriate practical skills for safe and sustainable participation in outdoor experiences. The focus is on the individual and his/her personal relationship with the natural environment. Students develop a clear understanding of the range of motivations for interacting with natural environments.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES Practical experiences are linked with theoretical investigation so students can gain insight into a variety of responses to and relationships with nature.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED Plan, participate and reflect upon outdoor experiences, analysis and group work.

ASSESSED TASKS Reflective journal of outdoor experiences, short reports/survey, written responses, practical reports, oral presentations, tests and an end of semester written examination.

UNIT 2

This unit focuses on human activities undertaken in the outdoor environments and their impact on the environment. Such impacts include natural and human induced changes. Through investigation of specific outdoor environments, students analyse different ways of experiencing and knowing the outdoor environment and the various codes of conduct that apply.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES Practical experiences will provide the basis for comparison and reflection and opportunities for students to develop theoretical knowledge about natural environments.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED Plan, participate and reflect upon outdoor experiences, analysis, identify strategies, apply practices and codes and group work.

ASSESSED TASKS Reflective journal of outdoor experiences, short reports, written responses, case studies, surveys, practical reports, oral presentations, tests and an end of semester written examination.

Units 3-4

UNIT 3

The focus of this unit is the ecological, historical and social context of relationships between humans and natural environments in Australia. It examines the impact of these relationships on natural environments reflecting on the changing nature of human interactions and relationships with, and perceptions of, the natural environment in Australia since human habitation.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES Reflective journal of outdoor experiences, written reports, class discussions, research tasks and group work.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED Reflect upon outdoor experiences, analysis, research and application of information.

ASSESSED TASKS Reflective journal of outdoor experiences, short reports, written responses and tests.

UNIT 4

This unit focuses on the sustainable use and management of natural environments. It examines the contemporary state of environments in Australia, considers the importance of the maintenance of natural environments and examines the capacity of the natural environment to support the future needs of the world’s human population.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES Reflective journal of outdoor experiences, written reports, class discussions, research tasks and group work.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED Reflect upon outdoor experiences, analysis and application of information.

ASSESSED TASKS Reflective journal of outdoor experiences, test, case study, written report, and an end of year written examination.

VCAA ASSESSMENT – The overall Study Score will consist of: School Assessed Coursework Unit 3 (25%), School Assessed Coursework Unit 4 (25%), 2 hour written examination in November (50%).