"Ross River virus affects more than 6,000 Australians every year. If we can find a way to prevent the virus surviving in mosquitoes we can stop it infecting humans.”27 May: College students, university teaching students and the education system as a whole will all benefit from a new outdoor education program launched today.
Under the new Outdoor Leadership Mentoring Program Lake Ginninderra College will get a consistent supply of volunteers to help on their outdoor education program, University of Canberra teaching students will add an outdoor ed qualification to their education degree and the Department of Education will benefit from more teachers entering the profession with outdoor leadership qualifications.
The program will see University of Canberra students develop their outdoor leadership skills with the Lake Ginninderra College students and be mentored by experienced outdoor education staff from the college. Completing the program will give the University students outdoor leadership qualifications that are in demand in the teaching profession.
“Teachers with these outdoor education skills are sought after in the profession,” Lake Ginninderra College outdoor education teacher Peter Blunt said.
“This is a really innovative collaboration between the University, the College and the Department of Education and it should ensure students can continue to benefit from quality outdoor education programs.”
The University of Canberra students, specialising in health and physical education, will begin the program learning alongside the college students before taking on leadership roles.
They will eventually attain ‘Guide’ level qualifications in outdoor recreation with the option to complete a Certificate III or Certificate IV qualification. These give them the necessary skills to lead outdoor education activities when they begin their teaching careers.
Six University of Canberra students are currently signed up for the program with plans increase this number to 12 in future years.
University of Canberra student Chelsea Vaughan said the program was a great way to build her outdoor leadership skills and qualifications and indulge her “passion for the outdoors”, while completing her teaching degree.
“I remember at school outdoor education was a great way to build my skills and confidence,” she said. “It’s awesome to be able to do something I enjoy and get a recognised outdoor education qualification.”
Activities covered by the program include: abseiling, bushwalking, canoeing, caving, climbing, kayaking, skiing and snorkelling.
Mr Blunt and University of Canberra student Chelsea Vaughan are available for interview.
