Year 11 Geography Excursion

Year 11 Geography Snowy Mountains Fieldwork

On Sunday May 16 the two Year 11 Geography classes departed on a three-day fieldwork excursion to the Kosciuszko National Park to enhance their studies of “Biophysical Interactions” in an outdoor setting. Partaking in a NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service program titled “Going up the Mountain”, they were able to experience first-hand, the transitioning flora, fauna, climate and landforms as they travelled from the lower tablelands to the upper alpine zone, via the montane and sub-alpine zones. Observing and recording interactions that occur between the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere provided an insight into what constitutes the remarkable landscapes evident in the Snowy Mountains area. Human impacts and subsequent sustainable management strategies formed an important component of the excursion with informative visits to both Perisher and Thredbo ski resorts and to the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre.

Fine weather, coupled with a fresh fall of powder snow on the tops and very comfortable lodgings at the Bungarra Alpine Centre in Jindabyne made for a fun, informative and thoroughly enjoyable fieldwork experience for all, as reflected by the following student comments:

“The experience gave us a unique and invaluable insight into the world of biophysical interactions that will stay with us for life.”

“Kosciuszko was one of the most memorable trips I have ever been on, due to the fact that I made friends with so many new people and gained so much insight. The sunsets were unbelievable, as well as the level of snow coverage”.

 “It was a great experience to both immerse ourselves within the theory we were learning in class, and to connect as a Year 11 Geography cohort”.

Darryn Sullivan, Angela Pizzinga & Sarah Hibbert
Social Sciences Department