Adventure Based Learning

Adventure Based Learning is a hands on, out-of-class, interactive strategy aimed at engaging students who are not always being engaged in class.  Classroom style learning does not suit every student; some students learn more effectively by visual interactive means.  Adventure Based Learning seeks to incorporate other learning styles in an effort to engage students.  The Chaplaincy Service operates two adventure based learning programs at Runcorn SHS; Connect & No Limits.

The general aims for Adventure Based Learning through Runcorn SHS Chaplaincy are:

·         To aid selected students in developing appropriate behaviours and attitudes.

·         To create a learning environment where students can develop respect for themselves and others.

·         To empower and encourage students to make healthy decisions regarding their lifestyle and consequent behaviour through accepting responsibility for their own lives and future.

·         To bring a level of meaning & purpose in students lives to help motivate them to bring out their God-given potential.

Connect is an adventure-based program aimed to help young boys in year 8 & 9 at risk of disengaging from school. The underlying ethos behind Connect is that change in any person occurs in small increments over a long period of time. It is unrealistic to expect a young person to change dramatically because of a powerful experience, such as a camp. If, however, the camp could be followed up with regular debriefing sessions, then the lessons learnt from the experience are far more likely to be retained.

What is the Aim of the Program?

The program aims to provide opportunities for young people to develop further, their social, academic and leadership abilities, in a non-threatening, and non-competitive environment.  The program is a pre-requisite for a follow on "Junior Leadership/Student Mentor" program, which aims to help prepare students for general year 10 and 11 mentor and School leadership positions.

What do students do in the program?

The program runs over a period of three years and includes a series of increasingly challenging camps (one per term). Students meet every two or three weeks and are challenged with group problem solving activities. Key concepts identified by students include responsibility, commitment, self-sacrifice, courage, perseverance, cooperation, teamwork and self-worth.

The program is designed to create a learning environment where people are valued, stimulated to learn and feel safe to question and participate.  The group creates guidelines, which assist people to be open, honest and cooperative.  Experiential learning takes place where people learn by doing, reflecting and gaining meaning from the experience.  Throughout the program, individuals are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning.  Parental interest and involvement is encouraged at all times.

No Limits is the second adventure based learning program implemented by the Chaplaincy.  While Connect targets students in the junior school, No Limits targets students at the senior phase of school.

Core Objectives                  

To assist students to:

·         Develop the capacity to relate respectfully with others.

·         Establish a positive sense of worth, self esteem and confidence.

·         Develop an understanding and acceptance of the diversity of individuality.

·         Develop a working understanding of the nature of freedom and responsibility.

·         Consider and reflect upon personal experiences to learn from them.

Specific Objectives

Respect

·         To develop skills in choosing appropriate values for self.

·         To develop a respectful attitude that values what others have to say.

·         To develop relationships that are cooperative and responsible.

Self Concept

·         To develop an intrinsic sense of personal worth.  

·         To encourage an open acceptance of self and others.

·         To introduce replacement of negative self talk.

(c) 2007 Runcorn State High School Chaplaincy Service