PRINCIPALS & TEACHERS:

Please find below DET’s checklist for any Excursions held from the Geraldton Camp School as part of the educational program undertaken by school students who attend camps at our site.

GERALDTON CAMP SCHOOL’S EXCURSION ACTIVITIES:

The purpose of these activities is for students to participate in and enjoy a range of educational activities that will contribute to the development of their knowledge, self-esteem, motivation, skill level, fitness, initiative and working as a team.

Catergories:

Musuems

Maritime Museum           Pioneer Museum       Walkaway Museum     Hamlet Village Tour

Industry

Crayfish factory              Iluka Mineral Sands   Harbour Cruise

Working World

Police Station                 Fire Station                Radio Station              Court house

Environment

Wildlife Park                  Birds of Prey             Fishing                        Bike tour

Kalbarri Gorge Hike      HMAS Sydney          Gunnado Farm            Wind farm

Recreation

Aquarena                      Wall Climbing            Sandboarding              Dragon Boating

Bootscooting                 Team Building            Rafting                        Boxercise

SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS:

1. School Principals must nominate a Teacher in Charge of the camp/excursion.
2. Teacher in Charge must have sighted and signed a management plan for all activities covered whilst on camp.
3. Teacher in Charge must ensure there is an appropriate number of supervisory staff attending the camp/excursion. These staff must have: a) appropriate knowledge and understanding and b) skills to identify and manage potential risks
4. Teachers are responsible for student safety and welfare as part of their duty of care and cannot       delegate this to other adults who are not teachers.
5. Other adults who possess the appropriate competencies/qualifications can act as supervisors BUT       only under the direction of a teacher.
6. If an external provider is being used the Teacher in Charge must ensure that they satisfy DET       policy and that they are appropriately qualified and competent to manage the activities.

RISK FACTORS:

1.Student factors

The Camp School Manager through direct liaison with the Teacher in Charge of the camp will determine the appropriateness of each activity. In so doing both parties will consider the following:

-         age of the students

-         number of students of each gender and culture (need one adult of each gender if mixed group)

-         maturity and physical capabilities of students

-         experience and ability of the students

-         medical conditions and/or disabilities of students

The Teacher in Charge must ensure that all parents/guardians have completed the medical/permission form required prior to the camp/excursion. (see consent form section 4.5.2, Excursions policy)

 2. Venue factors

Excursion/activity venues – The Camp School Manager will liaise with the Teacher in Charge and the Management of the venue or facility being used to discuss the following:

-         type and purpose of the visit/activity

-         duration of the excursion

-         requirements for overnight accommodation

-         nature of the environment

-         location of the activities and transport to and from

-         weather

Responsibility - The Camp School Manager will liaise on behalf of the Teacher in Charge with the Management of the venue or facility being used, to ensure that written arrangements have been made to clearly establish the responsibilities of the venue management and the school.

The Teacher in Charge needs to ensure that this document is signed by both parties.

Overnight stays – The Geraldton Camp School has DET approved smoke detectors and illuminated exit points plus evacuation map and plan in each dormitory and rooms. Approved number of toilets and showers, ventilated sleeping areas and very clean food preparation areas.

3. Transport factors

The Teacher in Charge of the camp/excursion is responsible in ensuring arrangements for the safe transportation of students has been made. The Teacher in Charge must be satisfied that the form of transport being used and its operator are appropriately licensed and insured as per DET requirements.

Bus travel - At least one supervising Teacher must travel in each bus.

Car travel – Only to be used when the Teacher in Charge is confident that:

-         no other option is available

-         drivers and vehicles are reliable and licensed

-         vehicle covered for comprehensive insurance

-         adult drivers not employed by DET must sign a confidential declaration

-         parents/guardians of the students need to sign a consent form (appendix D, Excursion policy)

COMMUNCATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Roles and responsibilities

The Teacher in Charge liaises with the Camp School Manager and their school Principal to determine the rules and responsibilities required from all supervisors and students. Then the Teacher in Charge is to ensure that all supervisors and students have received instructions as to the rules and their responsibilities prior to and during the camp/excursion.

2. Parent Communication

The Teacher in Charge must ensure that they have received written consent from the parents/guardians of the students attending the camp/excursion. (see appendix D, Excursion Policy). All forms must remain in the possession of the Teacher in Charge throughout the camp/excursion.

3. On site Communication

The Teacher in Charge must liaise with the Camp School Manager to determine on site communication procedures. Schools should provide a mobile phone for use whilst on the camp/excursion.

The Geraldton Camp School has available a PA system, phone, megaphone and whistles. During any of the activities (both on and off site) facilitated by the Camp School Manager or Camp School Staff, they will carry a mobile phone, whistle, megaphone and first aid kit. Note: For any Kalbarri Gorge Hikes an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) will be carried.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN:

The Teacher in Charge in conjunction with the Camp School Manager needs to devise a suitable emergency response plan for their time at camp/excursion and during their travel to and from venues.

The Teacher in Charge needs to ensure emergency equipment is available and easily accessible and that all supervisors and students understand emergency signals and procedures.

Note: The Camp School Manager has available Emergency Response Plans for all activities and tours on and off site. (Please refer to Geraldton Camp School Crisis Management Plan). For any activities facilitated by the Camp School Manager or other Camp School Staff the following equipment will be carried: First Aid kit, mobile phone, megaphone, whistle and when required throw rope. During off site activities e.g. sandboarding, rafting and Kalbarri gorge hike the Camp School Manager or Staff will take the Camp School Vehicle (DET leased Toyota 4WD Hilux). In addition for Kalbarri Gorge Hikes an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) will be carried.

INSURANCE AND LIABILITY:

All staff, students and approved volunteers are automatically covered by DET’s public liability insurance for any overnight camps provided the appropriate approval has been gained. (refer to pg 11, Excursion policy). Note: personal belongings and vehicles and not covered

1.Offsite venue/facility and provision of services

The Camp School Manager will have available copies of the Facility or Venue Hire and Provision of Services forms. These forms have been completed by all local venues used by the Camp School in the delivery of educational programs for school camps. Note: The Aquarena provides Bronze Medallion qualified supervisors for each pool/activity area.

COORDINATION OF EXCURSIONS WITH OTHER SCHOOL PROGRAMS:

The Teacher in Charge must ensure the camp/excursion has received approval from the school’s management group. Alternative arrangements must be made for students not attending the camp/excursion.

RECORDS OF EXCURSIONS:

The school must retain all details relating to all camps/excursions in accordance with DET’s Manual for Records Management. Details should include venue, dates, names and contact address and phone numbers of all participants, activities, safety checks and emergency response plans.

SCHOOL: _________________________________      CAMP DATES: _______________________

I am satisfied that appropriate planning has taken place to ensure the duty of care and safety of all participants.

Teacher in Charge:        ____________________________                Date: ____________

Principal:                      ____________________________                Date: ____________