Embracing Experiential Learning
In late Term 1, our senior Geography students embarked on a three-day field trip to the picturesque New South Wales South Coast to deepen their understanding of coastal ecosystems, tourism economics, and environmental adaptation.
Their journey began in Berry, voted NSW Top Tourism Town, for an investigation into the economic and social changes that have shaped it during its transformation from an agricultural community to a tourism destination. The day concluded with a communal cook-up, fostering teamwork and independence beyond the classroom.
A key component of the field trip was the investigation of aquatic ecosystems through boating and snorkelling excursions in the pristine waters of Jervis Bay. Guided by a marine biologist, the students observed diverse marine life, gaining real-world insights into the area's underwater ecology. They also conducted beachcombing research to discover and document specimens, including kelp, seaweed varieties, and a shark egg case. The educational activities were complemented by collaborative group work – the analysis of their findings and documentation through field photography. The day concluded with an entertaining interdisciplinary activity that connected musical knowledge with photographic techniques.
On their last day, the students explored the tourist attractions of nearby Kiama, including the swells at the Blowhole, a significant geological feature. This was followed by a trip into the Minnamurra Rainforest, where they studied ecosystem stratification and collected scientific data, including soil temperature and pH, wind speed, and water temperature measurements to analyse the ways different natural environments adapt to seasonal variations.