Character Education, Enrichment and Academic Success
The success of any educational institution is reliant on that institution giving its students a broad range of educational experiences. As our character program advocates at Bacchus Marsh Grammar this is based around a framework that emphasises four virtues – Performance, Moral, Civic and Intellectual. Fitting in with this framework and our school values is the most important component of enrichment. Providing these programs also adds to the opportunities for or students to flourish. An integral part of this at BMG is our school camps and outdoor experience programs.
However, many parents often question the necessity of school camps. Why does my child need to attend? Is there any benefit in camping under canvas? The high ropes course is too dangerous! The purpose of school camps, as well as being fun and giving students the opportunity to socialise in an educational setting, is to push students beyond their comfort zones. The activities might be unfamiliar and challenging, being away from family can be unfamiliar, and at times uncomfortable, and working in teams might be unfamiliar. However, life sends us many unfamiliar situations and challenges where we must be prepared to be brave and have a go. The skills learnt on camp and in the outdoors are directly transferable to the classroom and the academic setting and are vital in preparing our children for the challenges that life will “throw at them.”
Life is full of uncertainty, and we need to ensure we aid the journey of development and give our young people opportunities to be brave, to have a go and accept the situation when it does not turn out as they had hoped.
As young people embark on unfamiliar activities, like those attempted on school camps, teachers and parents should first show what needs to be done, assist the student with doing it if needed, and let the child work independently. Each step is critical providing the student with the chance to trust in their own ability and believe in themselves. This very much is part of the Teaching and Learning Framework applied in the academic classroom, “I do, We do, You do.” I wish all staff and students a wonderful time as they once again head out on Year Level Camps and encourage parents to think about some of the great benefits of school camps which clearly involve improving academic abilities.
5 Great benefits of school camps
1. Camps develop confidence. Students grow their confidence in managing for themselves. Camps promote independence and opportunities for students to fulfil responsibilities.
2. Camps develop problem-solving abilities, such as putting up a tent or cooking on a trangia.
3. Students are immersed in the natural environment and experience the wonder of Australian environment
4. Camps develop social interactions such as patience, sharing, helping and including others. Team building is evident in every activity they complete. Students encourage each other, celebrate their successes together, and embrace each other’s different skillsets.
5. Camps develop being brave! Providing this adventure enables our students to build the confidence to try new and different experiences – more structured in the younger years and more independent in the older years.
Mr Andrew Perks – Deputy Principal: Culture and Character Education
