OUTDOOR EDUCATION at OXFORD

Oxford Area School offers a stimulating timetabled Outdoor Pursuits/Education programme at Year 12 and 13 levels. 
The school provides high quality outdoor programmes with a wide variety of opportunities for students to select from.

The learning outcomes of these programmes provide for the development of skills in a range of outdoor pursuits and interpersonal skills, especially leadership.

Credits from the New Zealand National Framework, which may be applied directly to NCEA and University Entrance, are available for students succeeding in the outdoor courses.

In addition to senior programmes residential junior school camps operate which provide exciting and rewarding experiences. These programmes offer skills related to rafting, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, bush walks, camping and a variety of self-confidence activities.

Students from partner schools frequently attend Oxford Area School programmes. Pre trip planning and evaluation involves the use of video conferencing. This state of the art teaching service offers excellent information distribution and organisation.

An extensive range of equipment is available to facilitate the courses.

• Kayaks – Sea and White Water – Life Jackets, Spray Jackets & Skirts,
• Climbing – Ropes, Harness’s, Helmets, Shoes, Technical hardware
• Mountaineering – Ropes, Ice Axes, Technical Equipment
• Mountain Bikes – with associated support equipment
• Shuttle Trailers
• Mini Buses
• Personal Loan Equipment – Packs, Some clothing.

Students preferably need a range of personal equipment (although in some cases the loan/hire of this equipment can be arranged).  Equipment will vary from programme to programme but as a guide the following personal equipment would be useful.:

• Tramping  Boots
• Parkas
• Thermal Clothing
• Tramping Pack

Mr. Peter Cooper delivers the programme at Oxford Area School. He has over 20 years experience of presenting outdoor programmes to secondary school students in New Zealand and is a competent instructor with kayaking, tramping, rock climbing, adventure based learning and mountaineering. 

Where required Oxford Area School supplement the skills of their own staff by employing professional outdoor instructors from a variety of providers. Mr. Al Moore, an experienced outdoor instructor, frequently works with the programme.

Most programmes incur costs to the participants but are subsidised where possible.
Costs include transport, equipment, instruction and accommodation.