This comprehensive course is designed to challenge participants, encourage personal growth and develop physical fitness.

Students will learn skills through activities such as adventure based learning, challenge ropes course, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, orienteering, bushcraft and alpine skills.

This course aims to develop the skills sought by employers such as personal well being and confidence; problem solving and decision making skills; written and oral communication; co-operative learning; leadership development; group analysis and team work; discussion and processing; initiative and independent work skills. Students will also learn about sports fitness, nutrition and outdoor first aid.

What qualifications does this count towards?

Students will work towards gaining:

• NCEA (NZQA Unit Standard) credits:
  Level 1, 3 credits,
  Level 2, 15 credits,
  Level 3, 18 credits.
• National Certificate in Outdoor Recreation (Assistant Leadership) Level 3
• New Zealand Mountain Safety Council course in river safety
• Aranui High School Academy Graduation Certificate, awarded to students who meet all course and Academy requirements

What do I need to have done already?

• Have an interest in the outdoors and a moderate level of fitness
• Be able to swim 300m continuously in 15 minutes or less
• Obtain course director approval to enter Academy programme

What is the assessment?

100% internally assessed. NZQA Unit Standards.

What will this course cost?

NZ students $400.00 This may be paid in 3 instalments in terms 1, 2 and 3. International students $200 per term to be paid on arrival at Aranui High School. The course fee covers equipment rental, instruction, facility hire and accommodation for camps.

Where does this course lead to?

• Positions within the sports, tourism, retail and recreation industry
• Further Polytechnic, Outdoor Recreation, Leadership, University and tertiary courses

Time allocation: 12 hours per week plus 3-day camps

Lisa Keating - Director: I am a passionate teacher who believes in experiential education. I have worked at Aranui High School for 6 years and adore the South Island of Aotearoa - my playground and my office - in the bulk of my spare time and work.

The objectives of the course are to:

• Gain tools and knowledge to support you in the future
• To learn more about yourself and the others in the course
• To challenge yourself through a huge variety of outdoor experiences
• To have fun!

As part of our class we visit world-class stunning scenery on the West coast of the South Island, Southern Alps, eastern beaches, rivers, hills and many other local environs and facilities.

All staff associated with the programme have a great many logged hours and hold industry recognised qualifications. These include NZOIA (New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association), EONZ (Education Outdoors New Zealand), NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority), NZ Mountain Safety Council, PHEC (Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Certificate), Challenge Ropes Course Facilitation, PADI, NZ Day Skipper, Defensive Driving and NZLTSA Licenses.

We are a member of the ODENZ (Outdoor Education in New Zealand) group of schools committed to excellence in the provision of outdoor education.