Outdoor Education at Hayes Creek

In the weeks before Easter and after Easter the Stage 2 Outdoor Education classes headed to Hayes Creek for their rock climbing assessment. Over the course of three days they demonstrated their rock climbing, rope and abseiling skills.

The students attempted over 10 climbs, ranging from 15 to 25 metres high. 

Darwin High School Year 11 Coordinator and Outdoor Education teacher Aaron Dalgleish said 

They pushed themselves, despite the heat, to demonstrate strong climbing skills and excellent teamwork by encouraging and supporting each other, while being vigilant with safety procedures

At the top of the cliff students were required to set up the anchor systems that they climb on. While they had practised the set up procedure at school, this was the first time they had the opportunity to complete the task on the edge of a cliff. Again the teachers were impressed with the students' maturity and safety whilst working at heights and under.

The final challenge of the trip was a 40 metre abseil. Mr Dalgleish said 

That's the equivalent of 12 storeys high! I was so impressed to see the students face their fears and complete the challenge, especially as several found the height daunting. Most of the students developed strong abseiling skills at school and demonstrated that they were proficient using an autoblock, which is why they were able to complete the abseil without a safety line.