The school has a long tradition of arranging excursions to complement course requirements as well as those designed for developing positive social behaviour within a particular year group.
The teaching staff is very supportive of the benefits of excursions and will assist each other to enable them to function.
Course excursions are mandatory and usually involve only a small amount of money. Failure to attend the excursion may result in course requirements not being met. At all times, if there are genuine cases of financial hardship, arrangements can be made. Details of course related excursions are listed in the appropriate CURRICULUMpart of this website.
In addition to course based excursions, very popular whole year Welfare excursions are held. Whilst these are not compulsory, students who attend return with much greater enthusiasm and confidence. Students who elect not to attend follow a modified academic program at school.
These excursions aim to take our students to a wilderness environment (Mee Bun Bia) or to an environment different to Coffs Harbour and one they may not have the opportunity to otherwise visit.
VALLA
This excursion is part of the Welfare program designed to assist Year 7 students settle in and participate in positive social activities. Emphasis is placed on handling bullying, confidence building, personal development, creating positive friendship values and relationships.
Year 10 students also participate as mentors and a wide range of activities are held at the VALLA BEACH RESORT. Year 10 students (normally about 30) are trained as mentors beforehand. It is normally held in week 7, term 1 and lasts 4 days/3 nights for Year 7 and a day/night longer for Year 10. There is a very high staff/student ratio. In past years, approximately 95% of all year 7 students attend.
This is a highly recommended excursion.
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MEE BUN BIA
For more than 14 years, Year 8 students and 8 staff have attended this 4 night Outdoor Recreational Activity located in southern Qld, on the Gold Coast hinterland.
The fact that it has been such an integral part of our Excursion/Welfare program for so many years testifies its amazing impact, influence and effect on the Year 8 students who attend - plus the teachers!
The excursion is a strong character building course with the emphasis on outdoor living and camping, communal cooking and preparation, shared responsibilities as well as various challenges such as abseiling, bush trekking, flying fox and many other physical activities.
So many students return saying "it was challenging" and "a bit tough" but "best experience of my life".
The excursion is held mid November each year. The cost is approximately $150.
Usually 70% of all Year 8 students attend. Those who don't go follow a modified educational program at school.
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SNOWY MOUNTAINS
This excursion is for Year 9 students and is designed to give students opportunities they may not have experienced - obviously snow skiing but also working together. Accommodation is at the Sport and Rec centre at Lake Eucumbene. The excursion is usually about 6 days with a visit to Questacom in Canberra.
The cost is around $800-$900 (which includes everything) and is usually held mid August. Approximately 60% of all year 9 students participate. Those who don't go follow a modified educational program at school.
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