
<p><img class=" alignright size-full wp-image-32" style="margin: 5px; float: right;" src="http://schoolnewsnz.fastrackdev.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/SN12_-_External_Learning_-_Rosehill_College_3.jpg" alt="SN12 - External Learning - Rosehill College 3" width="253" height="190" />&#8220;Going beyond fun,&#8221; is just one of the sentiments from a Year 13 Rosehill College student on their recent camp at Great Barrier Island.</p>
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<p>&#8220;An experience of a lifetime,&#8221; and &#8220;Who thought learning could be this much fun,&#8221; were also common sentiments from the students at the Papakura school.</p>
<p>Last June a group of 30 senior students spent five days at the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre (OPC) on Great Barrier Island.</p>
<p>Ian Adamson, Rosehill College physical education teacher and camp organiser, says the camp was a resounding success.</p>
<p>&#8220;The students were stretched not only physically but also mentally and emotionally.</p>
<p>&#8220;The learning they gain from this week consolidates the PE curriculum, and hones their skills in teamwork and leadership.&#8221;</p>
<p>The five-night camp provides the basis for half the grades associated with outdoor experience for the year – researching and planning prior to the camp, the camp itself, followed by debriefing and reflection on return to school.</p>
<p>Throughout the week the instructors facilitated an active cycle of reflection and personal change that complemented the school&#8217;s objectives. The students packed in a multitude of new experiences. They were also assessed against two unit standards (sea kayaking and ABL) and achievement standard 90740, which focuses on the effectiveness of a physical activity programme, and its influence on hauora/wellbeing. Down-time was at a minimum – not only were the days full of thought-provoking experiences, but evenings were spent in structured learning sessions run by the instructors. Learning journals focus personal reflection on curriculum and personal development outcomes.</p>
<p>&#8220;This year our students took advantage of benign winter weather to complete a three-day sea-kayak based expedition,&#8221; says Adamson.</p>
<p>&#8220;Each of the three teams of 10 planned their routes and campsites, taking into account weather, escape options, group strength and the local knowledge of their instructor.&#8221;</p>
<p>The students packed the gear and food that enabled them to live out of a sea kayak for two nights, then added wetsuits, helmets and the technical gear required for a coasteering trip along the way.</p>
<p>&#8220;A highlight for the teams during their expedition was a visit from dolphins – and for those courageous enough to brave the chill of an early morning swim it was a very close encounter,&#8221; says Adamson.</p>

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