Year 3 students enjoy first camp

By Nick Martin, Assistant Head of Junior School – Teaching and Learning

It was another exciting week in the Junior School, with several events and experiences supplementing the learning that took place in our classrooms. Our Indigenous Artist in Residence, Jodie Munday, facilitated workshops with Year 2 and 6 students; Mrs Karen Mahar led a transition session for families whose children are moving into Kindergarten in 2023; Year 1 and 2 students took to the pool during the Year 1 and 2 Swim Days; visitors from the Embassy of Ecuador spoke with Year 3 students about the Day of the Dead celebration and the symbols used to convey different meanings; and our Year 3 students embarked on their first camp.

One of the goals of the Radford College Strategic Plan is to inspire and grow our students through bespoke experiences. One of the ways we achieve this goal is with our camp program. Through this program, our students develop important outdoor skills, including sleeping in tents, cooking, knot tying, shelter-building, hiking, and caring for and appreciating the natural environment. As a Primary Years Programme (PYP) school, we also value the opportunity for students to develop their approaches to learning in an authentic setting. Students further develop essential skills, including critical and creative thinking, reflection, communication, collaboration, self-control, peer support, organisation, time management, perseverance and resilience.

After postponing the Year 3 camp due to inclement weather, it was exciting to be venturing to Camp Cottermouth in glorious sunshine! Students worked in small groups under the tutelage of a Radford staff member and an Outdoor Education Group leader. They were involved in a wide range of activities, including a discovery trail hike, collaborative catapult building challenge, environmental education activities, mountain bike riding, bush skills, shelter building and several experiences centred around the campfire.

Other highlights of the Year 3 Camp included a visit from Reverend Katherine Rainger and Chaplain Andy Fleming, who told a very entertaining campfire story; preparing and cooking our own meals; and, of course, setting up and sleeping in tents. While this was a little challenging, there was an enormous sense of accomplishment by the morning.

The Year 3 students were a wonderful group and threw themselves into the camp with gusto. The Outdoor Education Group leaders were glowing in their praise for the respect, manners and kindness shown by our students throughout the camp. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Ms Tracey Markovic, other Radford staff members, and the Year 9 student helpers for their time, energy and commitment to making the camp such a success!

Contact