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October 2006
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[October 2006] George Monbiot, a climate change scientist from the UK, was recently named as one of the 25 most influential people in the UK and was awarded a prize by Nelson Mandela for his work on climate change science. He gave a presentation called Climate Change and Urgent Responses a suumary of which is included below.
- Our primary ethical consideration for the rest of this century must be climate change. Climate change has the capacity to make all other human catastrophes, such as mass genocide, famine and poverty look like drops in the ocean of suffering.
- We must prevent the earth’s temperature from increasing above 2 degrees. Above this temperature, climate change will be virtually out of our hands, because positive feedback systems will be triggered and the earth will become a natural carbon source rather than a carbon sink, as it is at present.
- We are already experiencing 0.7 degrees of global warming.
- Therefore, we need a 60% cut in global carbon emissions. For first-world countries, this translates to a 90% increase.
- For Australia, the highest carbon producing population on the earth, we need to cut our carbon emissions by 94%. If Australia achieves this, only then will we be doing our fair share in cutting global carbon emissions.
- Politicians are now starting to realise that they must be SEEN to be doing something active against climate change. However, in reality the general public does not WANT them to do anything at all. This is because people want to FEEL better about the problem, while maintaining our current lifestyles.
- We have little power as consumers to make real cuts in carbon emissions, although ethically responsible consumption is a good first step. (For example, when you choose a super fund with blue chip investments, you are choosing to maintain carbon emissions and promote climate change.) We have much more power as citizens. It is up to us to convince politicians that they need to change their policies to reflect our desperate need to dramatically cut carbon emissions. We need to convince our politicians that climate change is the number one priority by campaigning and protesting until governments listen.
Action you can take:
1. Change your household to Green electricity. There are many companies that now supply green electricity as an alternative. Origin Energy and TRU Energy are two examples. At the moment, TRU Energy currently have an offer that allows you to use Green Energy for FREE!
2. Offset your car’s carbon emissions by subscribing to Greenfleet. Greenfleet will plant an equivalent number of trees in Australian areas requiring re-vegetation to your car’s yearly carbon emissions. See the attachement for more details.
3. See Al Gore’s film An Inconvenient Truth, and even get you money back from the Australian Conservation Foundation. (See an earlier email from VAA) It is out on general release at the moment, so perhaps go to the movies this weekend.
4. Take public transport.
5. Conserve electricity and water at home and at work.
6. Recycle at home and at work.
7. At school - Photocopy back to back or reduce the size of the copies. Print out only what you absolutely need. Try printing on the back of used paper.
8. Resist the urges of indiscriminate consumerism. Just buy what you really need.
[September 2006] Choose with Care® is an innovative prevention program which aims to minimise the risk of child abuse occurring within voluntary and professional organisations working with children. It provides a proactive, preventative and participatory approach to building and maintaining child safe organisations.
Choose With Care is considered to be an example of the world’s best practice and widely considered to be the most effective means to ensuring a safe environment in child and youth oriented organisations. The program seeks not only to prevent child abuse but also create safer and more transparent environments where the best people are recruited to work with children, people know what child abuse is and are empowered to speak up when there is a problem.
FREE workshops funded by the Victorian Department of Human Services are being offered across Victoria.
The Asthma Score. More than two million Australians with asthma are being encouraged to take a two-minute test to help better manage their condition. As part of National Asthma Week, the new tool has been launched by a number of Australian healthcare bodies concerned about the large amount of sufferers who misjudge the severity of their asthma.
Available online, the Asthma Score, the first of its kind is made up of five questions, giving a mark out of 25 for the level of control.
If a person receives a score less than 20, it is recommended they see a doctor and work out a new plan to treat the illness.
Asthma Foundations of Australia chief executive Robin Ould said by helping identify the degree of lung inflammation the Score Card would assist in reducing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. Up until now, people with asthma have had no means to identify their condition objectively, he said. "People with asthma should know that their condition doesn't need to rule their lives and that it is possible to live a life free from asthma symptoms," Mr Ould said. "Some minor revisions to their personal asthma action plan could dramatically change their lives."
Chairman of the National Asthma Council's GP Asthma Group Kerry Hancock said it was worrying how many people mistakenly thought their condition was controlled. "Most patients have little, if any understanding, of the long term damage to the lungs if asthma is not managed correctly," she said. "Unfortunately, research also shows that many people with asthma substantially overestimate their level of control."
So what does control really mean?
Control means no coughing or wheezing, no night-time awakenings and no emergency visits to your doctor or hospital.3 Control means participating in activities you enjoy and not having to avoid them. Asthma control is not about getting over a symptom quickly: control is about not getting a symptom in the first place. Better control of your asthma means eradicating the signs of asthma from your life, so you can be just like 'normal' people.
Asthma control means using a reliever less and living life more. And the first step towards better asthma control - and possibly a life free from asthma symptoms - is finding out what is your level of asthma control. To do this you should use Asthma Score.
[July 2006] Do University Graduates from Outdoor Education degrees meet the needs of your programs? There is considerable debate within Australia regarding the variety of training/ education pathways that exist and the benefits they bring. Publications and research to date has predominantly focused on what each pathway enables for students. However, there seems to be little understanding of whether these students are meeting the needs of the employment market once in the field and in what sectors of the industry or profession they are then employed.
My name is Brendon Munge and I am an Honours student in the School of Outdoor Education & Environment at La Trobe University. I am currently undertaking a thesis project, which I believe, has considerable relevance to the outdoor profession within Australia. The research is focused upon a study of employers’ perceptions of La Trobe University Bachelor of Arts (Outdoor Education graduates). This work is not restricted purely to people who have employed graduates in the past but to anyone who feels that have something to offer to the debate about training pathways and the progression towards professionalism within the outdoor profession.
The research will aid the outdoor profession and the education and training sector by improving the links between employers and education/ training providers. To be involved within the research and help shape the future of the field, please contact me via email and I will send you a short questionnaire.
Contact Details:
Brendon Munge
bemunge@students.latrobe.edu.au
School of Outdoor Education & Environment,
La Trobe University
Ph: 03 5444 7320
[July 2006] The Alpine Junior Rangers Program is a new primary school program designed to educate students about the wonderful Victorian alpine region. The program offers primary school teachers a comprehensive resource kit based on the Victorian Essential Learning Standards, a student competition and teacher in service program. www.tourismvictoria.com.au/aep
[July 2006] The Great Australian Bushwalk is all about giving new and occasional bushwalkers the opportunity to try bushwalking with Australia's leading community-based bushwalking groups.Join one of 110+ free bushwalks in spectacular locations across Australia on Sunday 10 September.
A full program will be available from 25 July 2006, including full details of the 110+ different walks on offer, online registration and much more. www.greataustralianbushwalk.org.au
[June 2006] Professional Activity Statements. The VOEA is pleased to announce the first set of Professional Activity Statements have been awarded to students from the University of Ballarat with Eleanor Duggan receiving the first statement at the VOEA State Conference in May.
Professional Activity Statements have been developed by the VOEA and its Tertiary Advisory Group to offer to graduates of Victorian university courses in recognition of their activity skills. The Statements were workshopped in 2005 at the VOEA State Conference and the National Outdoor Education Conference.
The development of the Statements was part of larger project where the TAG worked with VIT to develop specialist subject guidelines. These guidelines were published in the October 2005 edition of Journeys and have received preliminary support from the VIT. It is likely that they will be endorsed in 2007 when the VIT undertakes a review of specialist guidelines.
The intention of the PAS is to help employers and other stakeholders to develop an understanding of the activity skills of graduates from Victorian higher education courses. The Statements are endorsed by the VOEA as the professional teaching association and peak body for Outdoor Education in Victoria.
In order to receive the Statements graduates are required to be current members of the VOEA. There are no other charges. The University from which students graduate will issue the statement on their letterhead with the VOEA Logo as an endorsement.
The first activity finalised was Bushwalking. Other activities are being considered by the TAG.
The Professional Activity Statement for Bushwalking includes the following declaration:
As a minimum the holder of this statement has completed 20 days supervised bushwalking in a range of environments across Victoria. They will have completed at least one overnight camping experience in an Alpine environment as well as a minimum of one four night bushwalking journey. All this experience was gathered in the context of a higher education qualification.
In addition to this minium requirement the Statements will then outline the specific context in which students gathered this experience under the following headings:
- Name of Units Completed (As They Would Appear On A Transcript)
- Summary of Objectives Met
- Qualitative Statement of Experience and Teaching
- Parity with Community Award
- Context of a Degree (Description of the course)
For more information please contact Mark Dingle at the VOEA Office.
[June 2006] Leonardo da Vinci Machines: An Exhibition of Genius will bring together 64 of his designs magnificently crafted by the Artisans of Florence with materials available in 15th century Italy. Many of the exhibits are interactive; therefore visitors will be able to touch and test the machines, making the exhibition an engaging ‘hands on’ learning experience.
Following on from the success of the Volvo Ocean Race excursions program the Da Vinci Machines School Program will provide school groups with access to free teaching materials linked to the Exhibition and an excursion program at discounted prices for students. The excursion program will run from Monday to Friday between 10.00am and 5.00pm. Along with the 64 exhibits there will be two films on Da Vinci’s life and work shown in a dedicated theatre within the Waterfront City Pavilion.
A Free Teacher Preview will be hosted on Thursday the 6th of July for teachers and educators interested in seeing the Exhibition. This free event will run from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. RSVP is essential.
Bookings & Registration
Book online for both the Excursions and Teacher Previews at www.voea.vic.edu.au/davinci
For more on Leonardo da Vinci at Waterfront City visit www.waterfrontcity.com.au
[June 2006] The Alice Sloan Trust On the 31st August 2005 a vivacious young student called Alice Sloan was tragically killed while on an outdoor program with her school and The Outdoor Education Group (OEG).
This sad event deeply affected many people: her family, her school community, and in our outdoor education community. Her family showed extraordinary grace and dignity and a determination to celebrate her life and the things she loved and believed in.
The Sloan Family have since set up a fund in Alice's name to raise money for worthy projects. One of their first projects is fund and organise an outdoor trip for young people who would not normally have that opportunity. They have asked OEG to help raise funds, organise and run this trip. OEG is delighted to do so. We firmly believe that outdoor education is unique medium with which to build resilience and prepare young people for social and emotional challenges in their lives.
OEG will directly donate funds and many in kind services to put this trip on. However this will not cover all of the associated costs. The Sloan family have also proposed a series of “walks for life” with a two fold purpose of celebrating life and as a means of raising money towards this project. Their proposal is that these walks be held during the first week of winter, as Alice was born on the 1st June. The concept is that people get together with family and friends and take as long or short a walk as they wish, and then make a donation to the Trust. The aims of the walks are to
- Get together with family & friends
-
Reflect in the out of doors
-
Reflect on the values we hold dear and on what we hold dear
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Think about life balance
Make a donation to the Alice Sloan Trust to allow teenagers to undertake an expedition, similar to those that Alice loved.
More information about the Trust can be gained from the Trust website www.alicesloantrust.org.au or through OEG, and brochures are available from OEG Reception. If you wish to make a donation, and/or require more information please contact Liz Peddie 03 5770 8253 or Carol Goninon 03 5770 8235, for details.
[May 2006] VOEA Conference Major Sponsors The VOEA is pleased to announce that the Residential Outdoor Schools Association (ROSA) will be the major sponsor of this year’s VOEA State Conference. ROSA represents the Bogong Outdoor Education Centre, Rubicon Outdoor Centre and Somers School Camp. The ROSA schools, individually and collectively, have been strong supporters of the outdoor education community in Victoria for many years and contribute exciting outdoor learning opportunities for thousands of students every year.
[May 2006] Victorian Workcover Authority (WorkSafe) From the Outdoor Recreation Centre: “As you are most likely aware, all adventure activity providers using ropes and harnesses (commercial and non commercial) have been on tenterhooks since news was circulated that the Victorian Workcover Authority (VWA) [also referred to as WorkSafe] had successfully convicted a high ropes constructor, supplier and trainer for providing a rock climbing harness in a situation where the participants could invert (intentionally or otherwise).
As there is always some risk of inversion when hanging from a rope in a climbing harness, implications seemed frightening for all rope based activities. The VWA have been very accommodating in their response to our concerns. A meeting was held on April 5th and several outcomes were agreed that reflect a great deal of understanding and commitment from the VWA.
The ORC and the VWA are currently working on a communication to better explain the current situation. That will be circulated via this email list as soon as it is finalised.
Until then, please do not over react. The VWA are inspecting these high ropes activities due to a series of incidents. These incidents were primarily due to failed connection (between the participants harness and the structure) and/or inadequate procedures and supervision.
Only these activities are being looked into at the moment, the VWA have NO plans to look into the safety of climbing harnesses for other activities and they will work with the ORC and the outdoor industry to resolve any grey areas. We look forward to circulating more comprehensive information.”
The VOEA will forward any information on in a VOEA Update as soon as we receive it. A Forum session at the VOEA Conference will deal with this issue. www.voea.vic.edu.au/conferences/2006/#workshops
[May 2006] Constable Exhibition - NGA John Constable, one of the greatest British landscape painters, was born in 1776 and died in 1837. The exhibition Constable: impressions of land, sea and sky traces his development as an artist; demonstrates his close bond with the English countryside, where he was born and raised; and, most importantly, examines the unique way Constable worked. The role of sketching from nature and how his constant reference to these sketches enabled him to capture light, movement and atmospheric conditions in his finished works is examined in depth in this education resource.
[April 2006] VOEA and the Outdoor Council of Australia. On Tuesday March 28, at a VOEA Council meeting, the VOEA council voted to resign its membership from the Outdoor Council of Australia* (OCA).
This decision has not been taken lightly, but rather follows a significant period of reflection within the Council regarding the role of the OCA.
The VOEA Council believe that a strong national body supporting Outdoor Education is vitally important in ensuring the long term viability of Outdoor Education within school curricula across all states and territories. A national body should be a leader in policy development, funding access, and in professional development of outdoor educators. Because of the broad
scope of the OCA as the peak body representing the broader Outdoor community it has an inherently difficult task to adequately represent and resource each sector within the Outdoor community.
We have a genuine desire to collaborate with the OCA and build a professional working relationship with the OCA Board to further the interests of Outdoor Education in Australia.
The VOEA Council would like to pursue the development of a national Outdoor Education organisation to represent all state and territory Outdoor Education organisations. Such an organisation would need to work very closely with the OCA.
We welcome input from the members of the VOEA and will be communicating with Outdoor Education associations in other parts of Australia.
(*The OCA was established after the merger in 2003 of the Australian Outdoor Education Council and the Outdoor Recreation Council of Australia.)
[April 2006] New ARC Resuscitation Guidelines
[April 2006] IMAX - DEEP SEA 3D + GUEST SPEAKER, VALERIE TAYLOR. 6:30PM-8PM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12. Put on your diving mask and swim alongside some of the most exotic creatures on the planet. Deep Sea 3D introduces viewers to the inhabitants of coral reefs, kelp forests, and other underwater environments, to witness the peculiar and amazing behaviour of 67 unique species - some filmed by an IMAX camera for the first time - as they depend on one another for survival to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
An introduction by Valerie Taylor, renowned underwater explorer, filmmaker, photographer, and environmentalists, will precede the screening.
Come early for drinks and nibbles, and chat with our education partner Melbourne Aquarium. Meet some of the Aquarium's live specimens on display in the theatre foyer, and find out about the latest IMAX joint
jsusak@imaxmelbourne.com.au
WIN A DIVE WITH SHARKS! Compliments of Diving Headquarters, one lucky teacher will win the ultimate dive experience: a face-to-face encounter with sharks - one of the most feared creatures of the deep - inside Melbourne Aquarium's 2.2 million litre Oceanarium. This unforgettable experience is an instructor-guided, underwater encounter with Grey Nurse Sharks, Seven Gill Sharks, Giant Stingrays and hundreds of exotic fish.
For your chance to win this amazing prize, please collect an entry ticket at the registration desk on the day.
EXTEND YOUR IMAX EXPERIENCE: SLEEP @ MELBOURNE DISCOVERY. FREE!
Melbourne Discovery is happy to offer each teacher attending the Deep Sea 3D preview one night's complimentary accommodation. As Melbourne's largest provider of school camps, Melbourne Discovery has the knowledge and planning expertise to make your next school camp to the city an unforgettable experience.
To make your accommodation booking please contact Elli Cattanach at ecattanach@bakpakgroup.com or freecall 1800 645 200. This offer is subject to availability at the time of your booking request. For information on Melbourne Discovery's services and facilities please visit their website at www.melbournediscovery.com
[April 2006] Lost Ocean Kayaks. You may have heard about an incident ocean kayaks at Torquay front beach this week. A group of 16 secondary school students, 2 teachers and 2 instructors were caught by a sudden and strong NW squall and were unable to paddle back to shore, in spite of being less than 60m from shore when the squall hit. The students were brought in by surf lifesavers in IRB's unharmed but unfortunately all eleven ocean kayaks and 16 paddles were blown out to sea. The kayaks are yellow 2 person Malibu 2 Ocean Kayaks with WSS painted on the bow.
The loss of this amount of equipment has virtually wiped out our surf kayaking operations, however we are hopeful that some boats may be washed up over the next week or so and found by honest people.
Please keep an eye out for them (see photo) in case they are washed up somewhere between Torquay and Wilsons Prom. Phillip Island is a probable destination. We are offering a cash reward of $100 per boat for any kayaks successfully salvaged. Please contact Graham Turner from Westcoast Surf School on Ph/Fax: 03 5261 2241 or 0438 612241
[April 2006] Teaching Australia - New Teachers Booklet. Teachers starting their careers will benefit from a new publication launched by Teaching Australia today. For the first time teachers across Australia will receive a 24 page booklet "Welcome to the teaching profession".
The booklet contains useful information for new teachers beginning their professional lives
and inspirational statements from teachers who enjoy their work. It also highlights what it
means to be a part of the teaching profession. The booklet includes messages from principals’ and parents’ associations, useful links,
factual information and contact details for professional associations and teacher
registration/accreditation bodies.
To view the booklet go to: www.teachingaustralia.edu.au, or if you would like a hard copy,
please contact info@teachingaustralia.edu.au. Download the Teaching Australia March Newsletter.
[March 2006] Wild Magazine 100th Issue. The launch of Wild no 100 in Melbourne on 14 March was a huge success.
Greens Senator Bob Brown made a passionate speech about the Australian environment, and Wild magazine’s role in celebrating Australia’s wild places and championing conservation issues for the last 25 years. He officially launched the magazine, the cover of which features a just recognisable Senator Brown peering out from under his helmet from a raft on the Franklin River. Inside Wild no 100 is a major feature article on Brown’s recent return to the river he helped to save nearly
25 years ago; it was his eighth trip down the river but the only one when the iconic river’s future has been certain.
The launch was attended by many of Australia’s best known rucksack-sports enthusiasts and conservationists including founding Managing Editor and Managing Director Chris Baxter OAM, co-founder of the magazine Brian Walters SC, guidebook gurus John and Monica Chapman, well-known wilderness photographer David Tatnall, outdoors writers Quentin Chester and Glenn van der Knijff and representatives from the major conservation organisations.
Discounted subscription to Wild Magazine is available to VOEA members. Join the VOEA.
March 2006] AN INSPIRING education program is helping troubled teenagers in the western suburbs re-connect with school, family and society by team building through outdoor and adventure activities.
Operation Newstart Western is a collaborative project for people aged 14 to 18 involving the Department of Education and Training, the Royal Children's Hospital and Victoria Police, along with input from local TAFE colleges, the Country Fire Authority, the Royal Australian Air Force and local community agencies.
[March 2006] Draft Response to The 'DSE Directions Paper'. The Directions Paper from the DSE Public Land Tour Operator and Activity Provider Licence Reform Project was released early in February. The proposals outlined in Paper present the potential for significant change to the requirements for groups to gain access public land.
The VOEA has developed a draft response to the Directions Paper and would invite members to comment.
[March 2006] Flying Fox Incident. The VOEA has released a Member Update to inform members of the recent Magistrates decision after a child was injured from a fall from a flying fox in October 2004. This may be of interest to other members of the Outdoor Education community.
[March 2006] Australian Journal of Outdoor Education Volume 9, Number 2 (2005) will be mailed out to VOEA members next week along with the February edition of Journeys. A list of the AJOE articles is provided below. To receive copies of the AJOE and Journeys visit the VOEA membership page.
Refereed Articles
“If you don’t mind going places without a map, follow me: Re-stor(y)ing of self, place and educator" Genny Blades
"Maybe what they say is what they experience: Taking students words seriously" Robyn Zink
"Turbulent times: Outdoor education in Great Britain 1993–2003" Pete Allison & John Telford
"How are student approaches to learning navigation correlated with their assessment outcomes?" Marc P. Bellette
"Cultural adaptation in outdoor programming" Sheila M. Fabrizio & James T. NeillNon-Refereed Articles
"John’s story: Teaching Victorian Certificate of Education Outdoor and Environmental Studies" Tony Keeble
"The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers: Safe from more dams but still vulnerable" Sas Allardice
"Who is Responsible?" John Dowd
[February 2006] Public Land Tour Operator and Activity Provider Licence Reform Project Directions Paper was released last week. The proposals outlined in Paper present the potential for significant change to the requirements for groups to gain access public land.
As a member of the Project Reference Group the VOEA would invite members to forward any comments or concerns to us to include in our submission to the Directions Paper. Please note that the submission closing date is Wednesday March 29 2006. A short 'executive summary' version and the complete version can be downloaded from the DSE website.
[February 2006] VOEA Planner. The 2006 VOEA Planner is being sent out with the January Newsletter to all members and past members. An A4 version of the Planner is available for download.
[January 2006] VOEA Conference - Call for Papers. The VOEA invites members and other outdoor education professionals to consider presenting at the annual VOEA State Conference. In 2006 the theme for the conference is Adventures with Uncertainty. This theme recognises that human interaction with uncertainty is a distinctive feature of outdoor education and can contribute to significant learning. Presentations, workshops and discussions are welcome on other practical and curriculum-related topics.
[January 2006] Melbourne Stopover - Volvo Ocean Race Excursion information and Curriculum materials.
The VOEA has worked with the MSVOR team for the past twelve months to develop curriculum materials and support the excursion program. For information for schools participating in the excursion click here. To view the curriculum materials click here.
[January 2006] Publications due in Term One.
The VOEA will be mailing out two publications during Term One. Our January Newsletter will be mailed out by the end of the month to all members and past members to provide an update on the year ahead. Later in February the first edition of our quarterly news-journal, Journeys for the year will arrive. If you have articles, news or advertising you'd like to place in that edition please forward it to the VOEA Office by Monday the 13th of February. (Click here to find out more about Journeys.)
[January 2006] New teaching resources for VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies. With the changes to the VCE OES Study Design coming into effect in 2006 we have redesigned the VCE Curriculum section of our website to incorporate the new course structure and added new teaching materials. The VOEA will also be releasing new Teacher Resource Kits for the new study on CD-ROM in February. Click here to see the new VCE Resources.
[January 2006] The VOEA website has undergone a minor redesign. With the new VCE OES Study Design our Resources and Curriculum sections required redevelopment. This should mean information is a little easier to find. However, it also means that our search function will take a few weeks to be active again as it takes time for the Google search engine to get to know the new layout. If you have any comments, suggestions or ideas on the website please let us know.
[January 2006] Frequently Asked Questions
In December the VCAA provided responses to several Frequently Asked Questions on the new study design for VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies. Some of these questions came from a VOEA submission provided in October. Whilst not all of the issues raised have been resolved the FAQ provides guidance to those teaching the new course in 2006. More...
[December 2005] Recent Presentatations at the ACHPER and Outdoors WA Conferences
The VOEA has been represented by Executive Officer, Mark Dingle, at these two recent conferences. To view slide presentations and papers delivered please click here.
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