Tallong comes to Year 2
Outdoor Education Experience
From 20 to 21 June, Year 2 had their ‘Tallong comes to Del Monte’ Outdoor Education Experience. The students were led through adventurous activities to introduce them to their future Tallong experiences. Year 10 Outdoor Education Leaders supported the students’ learning as they ran them through interactive and enjoyable activities for the day. Students are also given the chance to sleep over at school for a night away from home. The students were involved in:
- Learning how to set up and get cosy in a tent
- Practising their balancing skills on a Slackline
- Exploring Del Monte with a Nature Scavenger Hunt
- Building a shelter for their favourite Australian mammals
- Team challenge activities.
Some may ponder why we expose students to Outdoor Education activities at an early age. Tallong has been a part of the Santa Sabina College for over 20 years and there is an embedded philosophy and understanding of the benefits of exposing students to outdoor experiences as part of their schooling years.
As the students progress in their years, they will experience Tallong in a number of different ways. They will canoe, climb on the high ropes, go camping and build new relationships. Tallong creates opportunities for students to develop independence as they learn to self-regulate and manage in a new environment. Another great reason for these experiences is that students create lifelong memories with their Year level. These are some of the core memories that students will never forget.
The benefits of nature-play are a core reason for the experiences at Tallong. Students are able to explore their imagination, be curious about their environment, exercise agency, expand their thinking and enhance their interest in learning. Play is vital for the growth and development of students as they learn to navigate relationships and new places.
As students are continuing to learn to be independent, the sleepover part of the program is vital for them to become more comfortable with being away from home. They learn to develop social skills, independence and resilience as they are exposed to new opportunities. The sleepover is also exciting because they get to sleep over at school with their friends!
The ‘Tallong comes to Del Monte’ program wouldn’t be possible without the support of parent helpers, teachers, Tallong staff and Year 10 Outdoor Education Leaders. I wish to thank you all for your kindness and support that led to the students having the best time. Thank you!
Chris Walker
Coordinator of Outdoor Education & Experiential Learning
