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VCE Outdoor & Environmental Studies

Subject Overview

Outdoor and Environmental Studies is concerned with the way humans interact and relate to the outdoor environment. This subject allows students to make informed comment on environmental sustainability and understand the importance of environmental health. In this subject, students participate in a number of outdoor practical experiences that allow for the consolidation of theoretical based coursework. Additional information: There are a number of camps and practical experiences involved in the subject. Assessments will be based on the learning consolidated on these camps. Camps range from three – five days away from school at a time. The expectation is that students catch up on the work missed in other subjects while they have been away on camps. Students are also required to participate in practical activities throughout the year.

Unit 1 & 2

In Unit 1 & 2 you will:

  • Develop knowledge of the various types of environments
  • Investigate the motivations for experiencing outdoor experiences
  • Research strategies for planning safe and sustainable interactions with the environment
  • Identify and evaluate the impacts of activities on outdoor environments
  • Analyse the impact of technologies on outdoor environments
  • Identification and management of threatened species in an outdoor environment

Unit 3 & 4

In Unit 3 & 4 you will:

  • Explain the characteristics of the Australian environment before humans
  • Analyse relationships with the Australian environment by Indigenous communities
  • Analyse management strategies for maintaining outdoor environments
  • Evaluate the health of Australian outdoor environments
  • Analyse the importance of healthy outdoor environments for individuals and society
  • Evaluate processes relating to conflicting interests over the use of outdoor environments

Types of Assessment

  • Extended response questions
  • Written responses
  • Trip/Camp reports
  • Practical reports of outdoor experiences

Class Activities

  • Practical activities linked to theory
  • Excursions
  • Data Analysis
  • Group work
  • Tests
  • Quizzes
  • Class discussions

Careers that may link to this subject area