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Outdoor Education ProgrammeDunstan High School has a renowned Outdoor Education Programme from Years 11 - 13, and activities include rock-climbing, Nordic skiing, snow-caving, overnight tramping, mountain biking, navigation and bush-tramping and many more.

Mt Aspiring Lodge

Tititea Outdoor Education Centre is based in the East Matukituki Valley on the outskirts of Mt Aspiring National Park. The old Mt Aspiring homestead was offered to the school in 1969 when the Aspinall family moved to their new homestead at Glenfinnan. Since then, the facility is administered by a trust consisting of school representatives and the Aspinall family.

The facility is arguably unique in New Zealand. Unlike many Outdoor Education Centres, Tititea has been built, maintained and redeveloped by the Aspinall family, staff, parents, the community and students. Its has a personal touch to it that continues to draw commitment and visits from many ex-students. For most, a certain magic happens there that is indefinable, and this magic draws people back to the stunning beauty, flourishing fauna and flora, birdlife and opportunities to explore the valleys and mountains in all weathers. 

Year 10 students take part in a five-day camp based at Tititea which introduces them to adventure activities, teamwork and develops their confidence as a class. Leadership training for Year 12 students is also offered at the end of each school year.

Outdoor Education Curriculum Summary

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE:  

The course is made up of two distinct areas:

Outdoor Skills and Adventure: These include orienteering, bushcraft and tramping, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, various forms of skiing, problem solving and other practical outdoor skills. These adventure activities are designed to safely introduce students to outdoor recreation options available in the Central Otago area. 

Personal and Social Development: The main goal of the course is to increase self-confidence and team working skills amongst participants.  Opportunities to develop independence, communication skills, teamwork, leadership skills, responsibility and goal setting are presented throughout the course.

COSTS & OUT-OF-CLASS ACTIVITIES: Costs approximately $600 for the year (TBC). There are up to 8 days away from school and occasional after school practical sessions.

RECOMMENDED PRIOR LEARNING: None, although students should have an interest in learning Outdoor Pursuits and have a commitment to participating in the outdoor activities.

COURSE ENDORSEMENT AVAILABLE:  No


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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE: 

The programme is made up of two distinct areas:

Outdoor Pursuits & Adventure:  These include:

  • bush craft and  tramping

  • mapwork, navigation, weather

  • cycle touring and bicycle maintenance

  • snow-caving & cross-country skiing

  • rock climbing & abseiling

  • challenge ropes course activities 

  • general risk management


These activities are taken to a higher level than the Year 11 course.

Personal and Social Development:  Opportunities to develop independence, self-confidence, resilience, leadership skills and responsibility are woven into the course.  A major goal of the programme is the improvement of self-esteem and self-management and the development of interpersonal skills.

RECOMMENDED PRIOR LEARNING: Year 11 Outdoor Education is an advantage, however this course is open to students who have an interest in the subject with prior approval from the Head of Outdoor Education. Students need to be committed to participating in the practical components of this course and demonstrate excellent self management and organisational skills.

COSTS & OUT-OF-CLASS ACTIVITIES:  Costs approximately $650 for the year (TBC). 

There are up to 9 days away from school and occasional lunchtime and after school practical sessions.

COURSE ENDORSEMENT AVAILABLE: No​​

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE: 

This course is designed to develop independent outdoor pursuit skills, leadership in the outdoors, responsibility and high-level interpersonal skills. Many of the personal skills students develop are transferable beyond school (eg resilience, problem solving, rising to challenges).

Students study: Sea Kayaking skills, Winter and Snow Skills, Trip Planning, Risk Management, Mountain Bike Skills, Climbing skills and Leadership. There is a major focus on the students’ managing themselves, planning trips and leading activities.

RECOMMENDED PRIOR LEARNING:  Year 11 or 12 Outdoor Education is an advantage, however this course is open to any student who has an interest in the subject with prior approval from the Head of Outdoor Education.

Students need to be committed to participating in the practical components of this course and demonstrate excellent self management and organisational skills.

COURSE ENDORSEMENT AVAILABLE: No


​

COSTS & OUT-OF-CLASS ACTIVITIES: Approximate costs $650 for the year (TBC). 

There are up to 9 days away from school and occasional lunchtime and after school practical sessions. 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.