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Excursion support - student preparation
Involvement in excursions and outdoor adventure activities is frequently a new and challenging experience for students. Generally these outdoor and adventure experiences take place outside the school grounds and in the natural environment.
Therefore, it is essential that prior to their involvement in such activities, students are prepared educationally, physically and psychologically so that their experiences are safe, enjoyable and educationally rewarding.
It is essential that school staff who are familiar with students’ abilities and disabilities are involved in the planning of the entire excursion program to ensure that, as far as practicable, all students are able to participate successfully. While students may need to be prepared in advance for particular activities, some modifications to activities may be needed to enable those with disabilities and impairments to participate.
Well in advance of a school program that is to involve excursions or outdoor adventure activities, the students and their parents should be provided with information about the program’s educational objectives, the nature of the activities, the venue, any particular clothing and equipment requirements, and the cost.
Prior to the program and before each activity, students need to be briefed about the organisational arrangements that will apply during the excursion/program, the specific requirements for their participation, environmental impact considerations for the area to be visited, potential hazards and risks, safety arrangements and procedures to be followed in an emergency. Where particular skills and knowledge are a prerequisite to safe participation (such as lighting and refuelling a stove), evidence that students have these skills and knowledge should be documented.
More information
For more information, see: