Outdoor Education Then & Now
Story appeared in the 2014 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.
BY ALISON O’MARRA-ARMSTRONG, OUTDOOR EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Queen Margaret’s School is committed to providing education that places an emphasis on critical thinking, positive relationships and a strong sense of community involvement. Our annual outdoor education week is a true reflection of these goals.
Now
Tofino Outdoor Education
In the 2013-14 school year, QMS students experienced a variety of outdoor education programs, from surfing to sky walks and everything in between.
Each year in late May, our Senior School Students spend four days off campus exploring the value of experiential learning at one of four certified outdoor education venues on Vancouver Island. From surfing in Tofino to rock climbing in Strathcona Park to kayaking amongst the wonders of the Gulf Islands, our students have an opportunity to truly learn about themselves, their peers and to reflect on the awesome opportunities afforded in Nature.
As noted by one of our senior students, Mckaylee Catcher, “Outdoor education takes us out of the class-room and puts us in situations that build stronger friendships, quick thinking and experiences and memories that we will never forget.”
Outdoor education itself promotes the quintessential power of learning in our natural environment. While fostering a better sense of community and environmental stewardship, outdoor education simultaneously builds self confidence and learning skills which become natural extensions of our day-to-day learning. Outdoor education is part of our past, present and future.
Then
Girl Guides campfire circa 1938
Stemming from their experiences in Guides, Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan instituted a strong outdoor education tradition at Queen Margaret’s School.
Then, as now, challenging experiences outside of the classroom, in fresh air, were seen to have a powerful impact on students’ intellectual, physical, spiritual, social, and moral development.
The following memories are taken from Beyond All Dreams:
The day Miss Williams took the Middle School boarders up Mount Tzouhalem, straight up the sheer cliff side of it, with our sandwiches and bottles of pop in our haversacks.
MARGARET CUTHBERT (MCKENZIE, ’30) (pg. 261)
A bike trip which five of us made over the Malahat to Victoria one weekend.
ROSALIE GOWAR (CHEESEMAN, ’49) (pg. 327)
Walking up Mt. Prevost barefoot, when we got into deep snow, in order not to ruin new sandals.
ANNE SPRING (MOORE, ’37) (pg. 259)
Picnic on Tent Island in June… the water was freezing, but one was honour-bound to go in.
ANNE PROCTOR (’37) (pg. 253)
Throughout the years, Queen Margaret’s School students have enjoyed outdoor experiences as part of their education.
Throughout the years, Queen Margaret’s School students have enjoyed outdoor experiences
as part of their education.