Programmes

Dunstan High School has a comprehensive senior outdoor education programme with programmes at year 11, year 12 and year 13. Students can opt into these courses the same as they choose any other curriculum subjects.

All courses are assessed against achievement or unit standards and  credits go towards National Certificates in Educational Achievement.

Over two thirds of senior students at Dunstan High School take part in full time year long outdoor education classes. In addition we offer comprehensive leadership training for any year 12 students at the end of each school year.

Students who specialise in outdoor education over two years are also eligible for a Sfrito Level 2 National Award in outdoor experiences. This is a valuable industry training organization award.

Awards

Dunstan High School was the recipient of the Outdoors New Zealand Outdoor Education Programme Excellence awards in 2004.

 

Programmes

Year 11

This programme specialises in teamwork, and confidence building and provides an introduction to outdoor recreation activities. Units of work include:

  • Lifesaving awards
  • Kayaking introduction
  • Outdoor clothing manufacture
  • Tramping
  • Problem solving and initiative activities
  • Safety and risk management
  • Cross country skiing
  • Alpine skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Abseiling
  • Rock climbing
  • High Ropes course

Year 12

This programme specialises in teamwork and leadership and looks at the practical and theory of outdoor recreation activities. Units of work include:

  • Lifesaving awards
  • Kayaking
  • Search & Rescue
  • Radio use
  • Navigation
  • Weather
  • Environmental emergencies
  • Advanced problem solving
  • Safety and risk management
  • Cross country skiing
  • Rock climbing
  • High Ropes course

Year 13 Adventure Based Learning

This programme is a combined offering from the Outdoor Education Department and Physical Education Department. It specialises in advanced leadership and teaching others. Units of work include:

  • Advanced problem solving
  • Safety and risk management
  • First Aid
  • Rope skills for climbing
  • High Ropes course
  • Kiwisport coaching of primary students
  • Personal training programme

Year 13 Physical & Outdoor Education (POE)

This programme is a combined offering from the Outdoor Education Department and Physical Education Department. It focuses on  both theory and practical work. Topics include:

  • Personal exercise programmes
  • Risk management
  • Cross country skiing
  • Biomechanics associated with climbing