Outdoor Education was established at Huntly College at the beginning of 2006. The philosophy behind the course is to offer a subject that provides motivation to students who would otherwise find it difficult to find direction and meaning in the school environment. The course involves 16 students at years 11, 12 and 13 (48 in total) and covers a range of disciplines including adventure based learning, surf lifesaving, first aid, tramping and camping, river crossing and sea kayaking. There are clear expectations of what is required from the students including the completion of theory work prior to experiencing practical learning. The course currently provides 25 level 2 credits and 40 level 3 credits and equips students with the skills and ability to have a high level of competence in the outdoor environment.
There are 12 Outdoor Education expeditions each year including the following:
- Level 1 Surf Lifesaving Unit – Raglan.
- Level 1 Adventure Based Learning – Karapiro Low Ropes Centre.
- Level 1 Camping & Tramping Unit – Hakarimata Ranges, Mt Pirongia, Kaimai Ranges.
- Level 1 Kayaking Unit – Lake Tawawera.
- Level 2 Surf Lifesaving Unit – Muriwai.
- Level 2 Tramping & River Crossing Unit – Karangahake Gorge.
- Level 2 Kayaking Unit – Coromandel.
- Level 2 Lead an Outdoor Activity – Te Aroha Mountain.
- Level 3 Adventure Based Learning – Waharau.
- Level 3 Bush Survival Skills
- Level 3 Theory of Instructing and Guiding
- Level 3 Waka Expedition
Outdoor Education at Huntly College has been a huge success, with an extremely high retention rate of students, the NCEA Level 1, 2 & 3 courses have enabled students to realise their potential and to be encouraged to move forward into further achievement. Outdoor Education has placed the school at the forefront of low-decile secondary school Outdoor Education. The Outdoor Education Level 1, 2 & 3 courses have been the motivation for many students who had previously lacked commitment and drive. As a result lives have been impacted and the school and the wider community have benefited greatly.
Outdoor Education at Huntly College is a unique course due to the fact that it is usually a subject reserved for higher-decile schools. High-cost, lack of resources and lack of skilled teachers are among the reasons why low-decile schools have been deterred from establishing an Outdoor Education course. This is where Huntly College stands out as being a unique provider. With the support of management, funding allocation and teaching expertise the school is now reaping all of the amazing benefits Outdoor Education has to offer.
Students are excelling and Outdoor Education is proving to be a realistic pathway to tertiary education, training and employment. For many of the students becoming a teacher is now a popular career option, Outdoor Education has provided them with the confidence to dream. Overcoming challenges and achieving enormous goals has left students with the hunger to carry on and to see what the world has to offer them and what they have to offer their world.