News - Outdoor Education Policies released

New Policy for Outdoor Education Activities

The Department of Education has released the updated policy document: Outdoor Education and Recreation Activities for Public Schools. The advice given to teachers was that this was to be implemented by the 1 January 2019.
Update: The implementation date has been amended to 1 January 2020.

The policy document and activity attachments (old link replaced)

Update - the polices are now live and sit under the Duty of Care for Public School Students Policy and Procedures.

Follow the link below and you can download the individual activity policies on the left hand side.

http://det.wa.edu.au/policies/detcms/policy-planning-and-accountability/policies-framework/policies/duty-of-care-for-public-school-students.en?cat-id=3457100

We encourage all Outdoor Educators to make themselves aware of the new policy requirements.

Policy impacts

Outdoors WA has received many inquiries from our outdoor education members on the potential impacts of the policy. As the peak body for Outdoor Education in WA we understand the challenges that are faced in delivery of outdoor learning, the value that it provides for all students and the amazing job Outdoor Educators perform. We have consistently affirmed that Outdoor Education needs to be well planned and resourced in its delivery. We have raised our communities concerns about the planning, resourcing and implementation of this policy.

Outdoors WA has responded to the policy release by seeking clarity from the Department of Education. Our members have been proactive in voicing their concerns within their own schools and it is positive that as a result we have seen the date of implementation moved.

Outdoors WA considers that Outdoor Education should be accessible to all students and many are aware of our passionate advocacy in this area over many years in WA and nationally with Outdoor Education Australia.

Training Survey

We are currently seeking feedback on the level of training needed from the policy changes and encourage all Outdoor Educators to fill in the survey that will identify training needs and concerns.

Enter the survey here

Training Solutions

Outdoors WA has provided an aggregated training calendar over a number of years and will continue to support the training of Outdoor Educators. You can see current training here.
We are already in consultation to identify ways in which we provide solutions to the policy requirements to ensure that we will continue to have well resourced high quality Outdoor Education in WA.

We will continue to keep Outdoor Educators informed.

Keep the voice of Outdoor Education strong - join the WA Outdoors Community here