White-Water Canoeing Expedition

During the recent school holidays, nine intrepid adventurers took the long ride south to embark upon a white-water canoeing experience on the Clarence River. Students across Years 8-12 with a mixture of Duke of Edinburgh attainment levels participated in the experience that emphasised leadership attributes, decision-making and group management processes.

Students worked together to communicate within their canoe pairings to navigate some challenging rapids and as canoe pairings were regularly changing, students had to change their communication styles to suit. Students were involved in the decision-making processes of negotiating each rapid, departure times, campsite selection and general group duties such as cooking, waste management, hygiene and toileting. Each participant had a go at being the leader for a section of the day, which allowed for the practicing of such attributes in a guided and supported environment.

The river looked after us and sustained our journey. A big thank you to all nine participants for their enthusiasm and approach to this experience. We also thank Clarence River Canoes for their expertise and guidance, allowing us to soak up some of the rivers secrets and magic.

Mr Nick Tait, Head of Outdoor Education