News From the Field Studies Centre
The Field Studies Programme stepped up a gear in terms of the physical challenge element of the experience last week, with all four pastoral groups tackling the Coolendel hike in Morton National Park. This hike requires the boys to pull together all the skills that they have developed in subsequent weeks, to navigate through a beautiful off-track section of the park, adjacent to the Shoalhaven River. Grady Hill and Durkin Spur are two of the challenging features that the boys encounter on the trip that provide an excellent opportunity to develop ‘map to ground’ navigation skills. During the FSP the students participate in several multi-day expeditions in nearby National Parks and State Forests. As the weeks progress, the challenges increase and lead into the final six-day pinnacle pack and paddle expedition.
The students engage in a rigorous academic programme during their residential term which includes three evenings of ‘Academic Prep’ each week. The boys use this time to do homework and complete assessment tasks that are facilitated through Canvas. Many of the structures and learning supports to which the boys have access at Summer Hill are replicated during their time on the FSP. This ensures a consistency and familiarity that helps the boys to perform at their best. The focus at Woollamia this year has been to take a ‘Place Based’ approach to academic learning, meaning that wherever possible, the campus and the broader Shoalhaven region are the focus of the boys’ studies. On-site and off-site fieldwork is a key aspect of the overarching pedagogical approach and the boys are encouraged to apply their subject specific skills and knowledge in the field.
Our aim is for each boy to be well known and well supported during their Field Studies Programme residential term. Ongoing communication between staff at the Field Studies Centre and the Head of the Middle School, the Deputy Head of the Middle School and Housemasters, facilitates a smooth transition between campuses and ensures that pastoral concerns can be addressed in a timely manner.
