L2OP Outdoor Pursuits Challenge

The OP Challenge Course is open to any Year 12 or 13 student and you do not need to have any previous outdoor experience to do this course. The activities are suitable for students of any ability level yet offer scope to challenge each individual.

Learning takes place through a mixture of theory and practical instruction sessions, classroom discussion and activity reviews. One afternoon per week is allocated to practical lessons.

The course themes of teamwork, personal challenge, self- responsibility, communication skills and goal setting are all introduced and reinforced through each activity. Each experience is reviewed to enable transference of learning back into future activities, or to other aspects of school life.

There are no formal prerequisites. All activities are structured to allow you to learn everything from scratch. If you do have previous experience you will have an opportunity to take more responsibility for helping the group. Activities can be differentiated to allow each student to be challenged at the level that suits them.

This course can benefit students who are interested in a career in adventure tourism and outdoor instructing.This course is internally assessed with Unit Standards at Level 2 and 3 and Achievement Standards at Level 2.
 

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

The Challenge course is our most popular Outdoor Pursuits course. It is open to any Year 12 or 13 student and you do not need to have any previous outdoor experience to do this course. The activities are suitable for students of any ability level yet offer scope to challenge each individual.

The practical pursuits include:

  • Kayaking: starting on the lake and progressing to Grade 2 white-water. 
  • Canoeing: short journeys in tandem canoes on the lake or rivers. 
  • Rock-climbing: covers bouldering, top roping, belaying, lead climbing and abseiling. 
  • Tramping: a multi-day hut based trip on the Routeburn or Kepler Track. 
  • Mountain biking: planning and leading rides on local tracks. 
  • Snow-caving: students build and sleep in snow shelters at the Snow Farm. 
  • Skiing or snowboarding: a 7 week programme at Treble Cone culminating in assessment towards Unit Standards in skiing or snowboarding. Students train in small groups with snowsport instructors. 
  • Abseiling, orienteering, stand-up paddleboarding may also be offered.

HOW WILL I LEARN?

Learning takes place through a mixture of theory and practical instruction sessions, classroom discussion and activity reviews. One afternoon per week is allocated to practical lessons.

The course themes of teamwork, personal challenge, self-responsibility, communication skills and goal setting are all introduced and reinforced through each activity. Each experience is reviewed to enable transference of learning back into future activities, or to other aspects of school life.

WHAT SHOULD I HAVE DONE ALREADY?

There are no formal pre-requisites. All activities are structured to allow you to learn everything from scratch. If you do have previous experience you will have an opportunity to take more responsibility for helping the group. Activities can be differentiated to allow each student to be challenged at the level that suits them.


ASSESSMENT OUTLINE:

ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS:

How is the course assessed?

Unit Standards at Level 2 and/or Level 3 (Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Snowsports and Snow-caving): up to 28 credits

100% internally assessed

End of course qualification

Contributes to NCEA.

For more information go to: op.mtaspiring.school.nz

WHERE DOES THIS COURSE LEAD?

Students may choose to follow up this course by taking the Outdoor Pursuits Leadership course at Level 3.
Careers in adventure tourism and outdoor instructing may follow from that.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND LINKS:

INDICATIVE COSTS:

$575 This covers transport, additional costs and use of outdoor equipment. Students need ski or snowboard equipment (their own or rental) including a helmet. A season pass for Treble Cone is required and available through the college at a discounted price of $99.