FMC’s feedback on Outdoor Education changes

In September Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (FMC) submitted feedback opposing government proposals to move Outdoor Education (OE) out of the NCEA senior curriculum and into a vocational subject stream.

The Ministry of Education has responded with information about the current situation and future plans:

Outdoor Education is not currently a stand-alone NCEA subject. Schools have been offering outdoor education courses often by drawing on Outdoor Recreation and other Unit Standards, combined with Physical Education Achievement Standards adapted for an outdoor context.

Under the previous changes to NCEA, Outdoor Education was going to be developed as a full Achievement Standard subject at Levels 2 and 3.

Outdoor Education will now be developed as an industry-led subject at Years 12 and 13 by the Industry Skills Boards.

Physical Education teachers will continue to have the option to deliver learning and assessments in outdoor contexts, as many already do, ensuring schools can retain flexibility and continue with the approaches that work best for their students.

FMC believes that, while these clarifications are helpful, not including Outdoor Education in the academic pathway is a lost opportunity. Outdoor Education provides unique place-based learning, builds transferable skills across the curriculum, and supports the physical, mental and social wellbeing of young people.

Educators have expressed concern that students on the ‘academic’ pathway may not take industry-led courses like Outdoor Education, and schools may not offer it. In addition, while the Ministry has said students may work towards a tertiary qualification in industry-led subjects, it hasn’t confirmed that this will apply for Outdoor Education.

We will write again to the Ministry, and will keep members informed.

Photo: Greer Batters