Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education aims to connect Horowhenua College students to the local environment through physical, personal, social, cultural, and environmental studies. By participating in challenging outdoor pursuits, students develop the essential characteristics of resilience, empathy, and perseverance. Thus, while students enjoy the pursuits of kayaking, climbing, orienteering, tramping, survival, and cycling they also enhance their self-confidence and emotional intelligence. Outdoor Education is available from Year 9-13. Assessment and learning occur in both theoretical classroom-based sessions and in practical outdoor contexts.

Horowhenua College’s location means it is situated close to local facilities, rivers, coastlines, and native bush. The Manawatū and Ȱtaki rivers, Tararua Ranges, the many accessible beaches, and nearby bike tracks are used alongside the school’s facilities. These facilities and resources include: 

• 33 metre school pool
• 11 metre indoor rock climbing wall
• Road and mountain bikes
• Sea and flatwater kayaks
• Tramping and camping equipment

OUTDOOR EDUCATION STAFF

The Outdoor Education department is staffed by highly qualified staff that hold nationally recognised qualifications in a number of key educational and outdoor areas.

Daniel Riggs – Teacher in Charge of Outdoor Education

• Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership
• Bachelor of Physical Education
• NZOIA Alpine 1, Bush 1, Rock 1
• WWNZ River Rescue 2
• National Certificate in Education Outside the Classroom
• Outdoor First Aid

Maddie Beckley – Teacher of Outdoor Education

• Bachelor of Sport and Recreation, majoring in Outdoor Education
• Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching
• NZOIA Cave 1 and Bush 1
• Pre-hospital Emergency Care (PHEC) First Aid