Analysis Report on the Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide School excursion policy.
Introduction
This report is an analysis of the Excursion Policy document from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development used in the state of Victoria. It is accessible to the schooling and non-schooling community over the internet through the Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide under the heading of Environment. ‘The Guide provides information, legislative references, regulations, policies and guidelines that assist in the governance, management, administration and operation of schools.’(State of Victoria Department of Education and Early Childhood Development [DEECD]. 2007).
The School excursions policy 4.4.2 covered within this report, can be found directly linked to the sub section of Student safety and risk management 4.4 using the below link; www.education.vic.gov.au/management/governance/referenceguide/enviro/4_4.htm
Within this document three hypothetical scenarios are provided, exhibiting how the policy impacts on the teacher(s), school, other professionals, parents and students involved with the excursion and its associated activities. The scenarios are; • A teacher wishes to take a class on a three day, 2 night excursion and has received support from the principal and needs approval from the school council. • A student’s misbehaviour has been inappropriate and the staff on duty agree that the student should return home. • A student has injured their arm on a camping excursion and needs to be seen by a medical doctor as the staff suspect it may be a broken arm.
There will be further elaboration of each scenario, citing the policy section directly in each instance and how a teacher should address the situation.
Discussion
There are twelve sub-sections under the School excursion policy 4.4.2 from the Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide, shown in the content list. Each subsection may be considered issues that a teacher may refer to when seeking compliance with the Victorian DEECD Excursion Policy.
Within each section, the policy directly links to ‘additional resources, including documents, websites and contact details’ (DEECD, 2007, s1.1 .2).
This format allows readily, accurate and relevant information in advising teachers and the school community what their legal obligations and responsibilities are.
The rationale for writing an excursion policy is firstly to provide a definition of what an excursion may be. It defines an excursion as ‘an activity organised by a school whereby students leave the school grounds for the purpose of engaging in educational activities’ (DEECD, 2007). Excursion can include camping trips, adventure activities, sporting activities and events, single or part day trips and overseas and interstate travel. Each of these activities has their own set of guidelines, falling under the Student safety and risk management 4.4.
Secondly the policy is in place to ensure student safety, and to set specific guidelines and recommendations to be followed. The General policy 4.4.2.1 explains that ‘the Department’s requirements and guidelines relating to preparation and safety must be observed in the conduct of all excursions’ (DEECD, 2007).
The preparation and organisation of an excursion which includes approval by the principal or school council is a main issue within the policy. In addressing this, Approval for excursions states 4.4.2.2, ‘that on approving the excursions, considerations should include: • the contribution of the activity to the school curriculum • the adequacy of the planning, preparation and organisation in relation to: ▪ the school policy ▪ the guidelines and advice provided by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and in the Safety Guidelines for Education Outdoors website ▪ information provided by community groups and organisations that specialise in the activity proposed • appropriateness of the venue • the provisions made for the safety and welfare of students and staff • the experience and competence of staff relevant to the activities being undertaken • the adequacy of the student supervision’ (DEECD, 2007)
All of the above factors need to be forwarded to the school council and/or principal and if appropriate, may require a formal proposal drawn up by the teacher addressing each concern.
An issue emphasised under the excursion policy is the excursion emergency management plan. Excursion staff are expected to carry forward the schools emergency management process, which should include ‘preparedness, prevention, response and recovery’ components as stated under Emergency management plan 4.4.2.3.
Interestingly the policy gives direct suggestion stating, ‘emergency procedures pertaining to campsites should be explained as soon as practicable after arrival and a trial evacuation exercise should be carried out immediately’ (DEECD, 2007).
Guidelines for supervision 4.4.2.6 are an important consideration in preventing and maintaining student safety. The ‘staffing ratio within this reference guide provide the minimum requirements for school excursions’ (DEECD, 2007). Also needing consideration is the ‘qualifications and previous experience of excursion staff’ (DEECD, 2007). The implementation of excursion staff by the principal depend on other factors including group size, activities to be undertaken, location and nature of the excursion and students capabilities.
Scenario One A teacher wishes to take a Grade 6 class on a three day, two night excursion, to support the learning of the Eureka stockade in the Victorian Goldfields. A night during the excursion is set aside in order for the students to experience the Blood on the Southern Cross show, allowing a second full day of activities. This principal supports the excursion but approval is needed from the school council.
The teacher heading the excursion must, in accordance with the Excursion Policy from the Victorian Government School Reference Guide, also obtain the approval from the school council. The School council approval 4.4.2.2.1 states ‘the school council is responsible for the approval of: overnight excursion,…’ (DEECD, 2007). which directly affects this scenario.
In order for council approval and for the excursion to proceed, a sufficient planning program must be drawn up, of which a completed proforma by the DEECD is required. (See link in reference list)
Once approval has been passed by the school council and principal, there are a number of forms that must be lodged and received by the teacher or principal on behalf of the school including, ‘a Notification of School Activity form, (should also be) submitted to the Emergency & Security Management Branch of the Department’ (DEECD, 2007).
Also required is the informed consent of ‘parents/guardians [they] must provide written approval for their child(ren) to take part in an excursion’ and ‘must be given sufficient information about the nature of the proposed activity and the risks involved’ (DEECD, 2007).
Scenario Two
A student has been misbehaving on several occasions and the staff on duty agree that the student should return home. The teachers came to this decision after several warnings to the offending student, because they broke with their school’s student code of conduct.
The section that directly relates to this scenario is Student behaviour and discipline 4.4.2.9. It states that ‘in extreme cases the excursion staff, following consultation with and the approval of the school principal, may determine that a student should return home during an excursion’ (DEECD, 2007).
The leading teacher is responsible for informing the parent/guardians on the misbehaviour and the decision to cease excursion participation. The policy advises ‘that schools ensure that when a parents/ guardians sign the approval for their child to attend the excursion that they consent to their child being sent home [or to be collected] in the event of the child’s serious misbehaviour on the excursion’ (DEECD, 2007).
Scenario 3
A student has injured their arm by accidentally taking a fall on a camping excursion whilst participating in a bushwalking activity. The student requires first aid and the supervising teachers agree that the child needs to be seen by a medical doctor as the staff suspect it may be broken.
There are several sections of the excursion policy that impact on what a teacher must do in such a scenario. First aid 4.4.2.3.5 guidelines state that the ‘excursion staff have levels of first-aid training which are appropriate to the excursion activities and location’ (DEECD, 2007). The teacher in charge must also immediately notify the school principal after undertaking relevant emergency action.
Importantly in this scenario ‘emergency procedures should include the effects of an emergency on student supervision …[with] staff being required to assist injured students or go to help’ (DEECD, 2007). The supervising teacher in this case is amenable in providing appropriate first aid and supervision.
In addition excursion teachers and school administration require students up-to-date medical information which also must be taken whilst on the excursion ‘by the teacher-in-charge and be accessible by other excursion staff in emergency situations,’ as stated in Student medical information 4.4.2.5. Parents or guardians will have been required to fill in a Confidential Medical information form prior to the excursion. Within this form a medical consent is given if in the event of an illness or injury where by the teacher-in-charge is unable to contact the parent/guardian. In this case the teacher would need to view the medical information of the injured child and if the parent/guardian was unable to be contacted would need to make appropriate arrangements in order for the student to seek professional medical attention.
Conclusion
The analysis report on Excursion policy 4.4.2 of the Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide has demonstrated that teachers, principals and the school community are subject to and follow the guidelines from the DEECD.
Furthermore analysis of three hypothetical scenarios exhibiting what section of the policy it falls under and how it relates to the policy. In addition it investigates what processes are applied by teachers, principal and the school in each scenario. The report recognizes three major elements within the policy. These being, the Approval for excursions 4.4.2.2, Emergency management plan 4.4.2.3. and Guidelines for supervision 4.4.2.6, stating that there are many related sections to the above elements and external web based links and forms provided by the DEECD to ensure its policies are upheld.
The report demonstrates that student safety and management essentially are the overall concerns, impacting on all associated activities undertaken by teacher(s), principal, the school, other professionals, parents and students during before and after a school excursion.
Reference List
Sovereign Hill Education. (n.d.) Excursion Planning. Retrieved from http://sheducationcom.ascetinteractive.biz/?id=excursions
State of Victoria Department of Education and Early Childhood Development [DEECD]. (2007). Content List .Retrieved from http://www.education.vic.gov.au/management/governance/referenceguide/enviro/4_4.htm
State of Victoria Department of Education and Early Childhood Development [DEECD]. (2007). Excursions Approval form. Retrieved from http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/schadmin/schops/edoutdoors/approvalform.doc
(Approval Proforma for all Excursions and Activities Requiring School Council Approval).
State of Victoria Department of Education and Early Childhood Development [DEECD]. (2007). Introduction to the Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide s.1.1 Retrieved from http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/schadmin/Management/1-1.pdf
State of Victoria Department of Education and Early Childhood Development [DEECD]. (2007). Safety Guidelines for Education Outdoors. Retrieved from http://www.education.vic.gov.au/management/schooloperations/edoutdoors/siteuserguide. htm/www.education.vic.gov.au/management/schooloperations/edoutdoors/planning/approval.htm State of Victoria Department of Education and Early Childhood Development [DEECD]. (2007). School Excursion s.4.4.2 Retrieved from 4.4 Student safety and risk management (PDF - 403Kb)
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
Is a guideline to all staff on how pupils behaviour should be managed. It is important that this policy is constantly being applied to ensure full safety of the pupils, this is why all staff MUST be familiar with this policy.…
- 607 Words
- 3 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
It is important to take into account the health and safe requirements of all pupils before planning or starting any activity, ensuring that the environment is free of hazards and the children can play and learn safely.…
- 866 Words
- 3 Pages
Better Essays -
This involves not only the venue, but your attitude and the support you give to your students (Gravells A 2012, pge 24). You must consider your student’s health and safety needs and work within the boundaries of your organisation’s policies. Should there be any concerns about health and safety you must inform your organisation’s designated personnel. At no time should your learner’s health and safety be compromised.…
- 1565 Words
- 7 Pages
Better Essays -
(1.1) The legal requirements for supervising children and young people on journeys,visits and activities outside of the setting need to include policies and procedures which should be carried out by the school which should include risk assessments of the different places on which they are going to be visiting. The member of staff should have a up to date driving licence,a DBS check,car insurance which should cover escorting pupils from work to their destination,also make sure there is a suitable adult -child ratio Before taking pupils out on activities,the school will have to get consent forms from the parents/carers to say they have permission for their child to go anywhere with a member of staff,this should be in writing and should include the activity,time and date and when they are due back,what the activity is,the price and what is required on the activity by the pupils. The school should have information about each child who is going out which should include,dietary needs,allergies,and any other medical conditions and if they suffer from travel sickness.…
- 1034 Words
- 3 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
There are various organisational and legal requirements for supervising children on journeys, visits and activities outside of the school setting. These include policies and procedures which should be carried out by the school including risk assessments of areas that will be visited (New2teaching, 2013).…
- 1942 Words
- 8 Pages
Good Essays -
3. The candidate is required to explain, with examples, how school policies and procedures are developed and communicated.…
- 328 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
The legal requirements to take children and young people travel outside setting comes under, Safety in Outdoor Education (1989) (DfEE), the DfEE Circular 22/94 Safety in Outdoor Activity Centres and the booklet Health and Safety of Pupils On Educational Visits 1998. The…
- 1181 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Regular attendance is vital to both pupil and teacher and gives consistency and effectiveness through learning. Parents are continually made aware via newsletter, text and the website of the importance of punctual and regular attendance, this is reinforced through the Home School Agreement which is sent to every parent of a new pupil and should be signed and returned before that pupil commences their learning.…
- 2164 Words
- 9 Pages
Good Essays -
Risk assessment is an essential part of activity planning and a wide range of factors should be taken into consideration ( such as, age of the children, the nature of the activity, the physical environment, the level of supervision required,…). After doing a good risk assessment the activity can go ahead with the understanding that little accidents that might happen are a part of everyone’s learning…
- 264 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
It is important to make sure that anyone coming into the school setting, (whether it be a volunteer or visitors), is told of…
- 917 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
In 1941, Kurt Hahn originated modern adventure education (Hattie, Marsh, Neill, & Richards, 1997). Also,Hahn developed the first Outward Bound program for the Blue Funnel Shipping Line in the Atlantic Ocean (Hattie, Marsh, Neill, & Richards, 1997). The objectives for that first project was “a month-long course designed to accelerate the development of independence, initiative, physical fitness, self-reliance, and resourcefulness” (Hattie, Marsh, Neill, & Richards, 1997, p. 3) “The success of these programs led Hahn to support the establishment of Outward Bound schools in England and throughout the world, and by 1995 there were 48 schools on five continents” (Hattie, Marsh, Neill, & Richards, 1997, p. 3).…
- 413 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
Health and safety policy- This should be practiced daily. It is of the upmost importance that safety comes first in any area or situation in schools. Risk assessments should be carried out and applied. This is also the case for school trips.…
- 964 Words
- 3 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
In the case of educational visits, professionals should always carry out a full risk assessment of that visit, under the Health and Safety at work regulations Act 1999 it requires employers to assess the risks of activities, introduce measures to control these risks and inform employees of these measures. Before a trip can be arranged employers must follow the necessary policies and procedures as follows:…
- 343 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
Summarise the main points of this policy:This policy is written and reinforced by the head teacher and the governing body and covers aspect of the following: * First aid * Crisis management * Fire policy and bomb incidents * Accident reporting and recording * Alcohol and drug abuse * Risk Assessments * Electrical equipment PAT testing * Manuel Handling…
- 257 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
and is expected to require approximately three hours of outside preparation by students. The events…
- 4740 Words
- 19 Pages
Best Essays