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The Valley Campus
A
16.5 hectare property in the Fingal Valley became a dedicated
‘education outdoors and environmental’ campus for students of Scotch
Oakburn, when an historic agreement was signed on 22 March 2005 between
the owners of the property, the Marshall family, and the Scotch
Oakburn College Principal, Andrew Barr.
This unique residential learning facility is the first of its type
for any school in Tasmania.
The
facility is known as the Valley Campus.
“Many educational institutions on the mainland, and internationally,
are implementing more sustainability education through outdoor and
environmental experiences. Environmental immersion is a proven
strategy in teaching children more sustainable practices and
developing key personal and social competencies. Education Outdoors
also links the classroom curriculum to experiential education.
Children are learning, growing and developing in nature’s outdoor
classroom,” said the Principal of Scotch Oakburn College, Andrew
Barr.
“The Valley Campus is situated on a wonderful 16.5 hectare property,
bordering the South Esk River, approximately one hour’s drive from
Launceston. The property has previously been known as ‘Fawlty
Towers’, under the ownership of the Marshall family, a long-time
Scotch Oakburn family,” said Mr Barr.
Set
in farmland on the banks of the South Esk, surrounded by forests and
mountains, the Valley Campus includes comfortable cabins and
self-contained units accommodating 78, a caretaker’s cottage, a
substantial dining area and well-equipped kitchen, an amenities
block, learning area, recreational areas, and an outdoor stage.
A
man-made lake is a significant feature of the Valley Campus, where
many of the College’s outdoor activities will take place, including
kayaking, rowing, sailing and canoeing. There is a swimming pontoon in a
designated swimming area. A well maintained sports field and a
volley ball court are among the range of assets in the Valley
Campus.
“Teaching
children sustainable living and community practices is crucial. As
the world continues to grow and evolve, our children will be the
keys in maintaining and implementing sustainable practices. The
programs at the Valley Campus will educate children about
environmental stewardship, living and working in a community,
developing personal qualities and sustainable living," said Mr Barr.
“The Valley Campus is a unique educational facility in Tasmania,
with programmes designed to enhance the development of all Scotch
Oakburn students from Early Learning through to Grade 12. Of course,
our students also have opportunities to experience
the many varied and challenging outdoor environments across
Tasmania.”
Among the uses for the Valley Campus are a mix of year
level camps from Grades 2-10, visual and performing arts camps,
sports camps, leadership camps, study groups, class excursions for
our younger students, and subject specific excursions for older year
levels.
Mr
Barr added: “For many years, Camp Quality, a national organisation
providing recreational and camping opportunities for children living
with cancer, have used the property for holiday camps. This
association will continue as an important part of our 'Round
Square' ethos
supporting charities, such as Camp Quality. We also believe that
this will provide opportunities for our students to be involved in
such worthy community service and help students to develop
leadership skills.”
Mr
Simon Finnigan is Scotch Oakburn's Director of
Education Outdoors.
LOCATION OF THE VALLEY CAMPUS
“Rostrevor”
Esk Highway, 10 minutes past Avoca, on the left.
Look out for signage for “Rostrevor” and South Esk Escapes, and line
of poplar trees.
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