Our amazing Year 10 Outdoor Education students recently took on the cliffs of Statham’s Quarry—and absolutely rose to the challenge.
Across two successful excursions, the group showed off the adventurous spirit, teamwork and technical skills they’ve been developing throughout the term. With craggy cliff faces to conquer and abseiling routes to navigate, it was a hands-on opportunity to put classroom learning into action. And they did just that with confidence and enthusiasm.
“It was a fun and enjoyable experience… abseiling was my favourite because I got pretty good at it and was able to race.” – Callum
Much of the term has been spent building foundational skills—learning lingo, tying knots, and practising roping techniques. This groundwork paid off as students threw themselves into scaling the quarry walls and racing down the abseiling lines. Along the way, they demonstrated not only physical skill but also leadership and respect for the environment.
The excursions were designed to be student-led, encouraging independence and self-management. From checking safety systems to using equipment correctly and practising minimal impact techniques, the students took real ownership of the experience.
“I learned how the ropes are rigged for safety and how the belay system works in more detail…I also learned how important trust and clear communication are when you’re depending on someone else during a climb… The view from the top was amazing too.” – Lily
A key focus of the program is relationship-building—both with peers and the environment. These outings showed just how far the students have come in supporting one another, building trust and pushing through their comfort zones.
“The climb was pretty haps and abseiling got me out of my comfort zone…It was a good experience outdoors with friends and 100% better than Google Classroom.” – Sean
With their skills now firmly established, students are preparing for the next big challenge: the Term 3 Week 7 Expedition—a four-day, three-night adventure. Which provides opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling, and camping through Wellington National Park and along the Bibbulmun Track around Collie.
For students in Years 7–9 who are considering electives, Outdoor Education is more than just an escape from the classroom—it’s a chance to challenge yourself, discover new strengths and connect with the world around you!
