Riccarton High School

Riccarton High School is very fortunate to have a superb Outdoor Education facility at Kokiri on the West Coast of the South Island. The Kokiri Programme is part of the Yr 9 & 10 curriculum. Many of the essential skill requirements of the NZ Curriculum Framework and aspects of the Health & Physical Education curriculum are covered.

Consequently, students are required to go to Kokiri. Only the Principal can excuse a student from attending.

All junior classes go to Kokiri for 4 days, travelling by the Transalpine Express. Each class goes separately - either in Term 1 or 2. The main aim of the experience is to develop student self-confidence and the ability to work cooperatively in a team.

Students are divided into groups during the 4 days and work to a set of rules. Most groups go from strength to strength. Sometimes, however, one member consistently breaks group rules and other requirements. This can lead to the student being sent home after parents have been informed.

Risk Management:

Parents are always concerned about the safety of their child on camps. All activities have an element of risk. We are satisfied that with our extensive risk management plan, real risk is very low.

To help us we would like you to inform us of any illnesses, injuries, emotional problems etc. that you know your child has, before going to camp.

In that context it is very important that you carefully complete the forms that are brought home to you, and ensure they are returned.

Staff:

There are 2 staff and 2 to 4 senior student leaders with each class. Staff include our Kokiri Outdoor Education Specialist and usually one other teacher.

Activities:

Each form level has a different programme which includes activities such as rafting, initiative team challenges, orienteering, campout, ropes course, abseiling and wall climbing, and tramping. It is not the outdoor skills developed associated with each of these activities that is important but the team work necessary for success.

Cost:

The cost for each student is $230.00. Around 50% of this is the cost of travel on the Trans-Alpine Express (bus travel is similar in cost). The rest is for food, lodge maintenance, electricity, equipment etc. It is important to realise that the school pays for the wages of the Kokiri Outdoor Education specialist and any relief teacher costs. The lodge is hired by outside hirers when Riccarton classes do not require it and this helps to subsidise the school trips.

If you have any problems or questions about camp, please contact Neil McKeegan.

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