EXTENDED EXCURSIONS

Excursions  have always played an important part in the educational opportunities offered children. Some excursions are local. Others are at distance from Darwin and Palmerston but within the NT.  Extended excursions to other parts of Australia are not uncommon. 

I believe that the purpose and reason of extended excursions should be to enhance educational opportunities for students . It can be too easy at times to overlook the benefits children might  receive  from these opportunities.

It’s not uncommon for students in the Top End to go on excursion to Katherine, Alice Springs, Jabiru or other centres within the Territory.  There  is a lot of learning that can be done in these centres.

At times the educational benefits that can be gained by students are minimised because of the visit’s focus. Katherine has extensive agricultural industries. Horticulture, animal husbandry and other agricultural enterprises are part of its development . There is significant industrial development in the town. As well, the centre is an important regional hub for places to the east, south and West.  

It’s unfortunate that many excursions don’t to take the actual economy of the region into account. Rather than students becoming aware through visitation of what is on offer economically, they spend their excursion time in altogether different directions.

Included might be a trip down the gorge, hunting freshwater crocodiles the night, swimming in the pool, visiting Card Cutter caves and so on. While these activities might be part of an excursion, taking the other economic activities of Katherine Region into account should in my opinion be a part of the excursion itinerary. That then gives a complete picture of the students of what’s on offer with in the region.

Similar criteria when considering itineraries for other Territory centres called and should be considered.

Plan excursions carefully so that students enjoy what’s on offer but ensure that their learning and understanding of regions is  enhanced.