New HPE Curriculum Links for School Camps in Victoria
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Bushwalking – Curriculum Alignment (HPE Years 5–8)
This page maps the Bushwalking activity to the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education (HPE). Teachers can print or save it as a PDF for lesson planning.
Overview
Activity: Bushwalking at Scout Adventures provides students with opportunities to explore natural environments while building endurance, navigation, environmental awareness and teamwork. Delivered by qualified instructors using safe, structured routes.
Key outcomes
- Develop fitness, stamina and movement efficiency through sustained walking and navigation tasks.
- Apply map, compass and trail navigation skills in a natural environment.
- Demonstrate teamwork, cooperation and communication in group travel.
- Make safe and sustainable choices in outdoor environments.
- Reflect on personal wellbeing, resilience and connection with nature.
Curriculum strands
- Movement & Physical Activity
- Personal, Social & Community Health
Mapped for Years 5–6 and Years 7–8. Includes navigation and environmental education components.
Years 5–6
| Curriculum content description (HPE) | How the activity links | Sample session feature |
|---|---|---|
| Practise and apply movement skills and fitness strategies in outdoor settings (v9: AC9HP6M04) | Students build endurance and coordination by walking on varied terrain, adjusting pace to terrain and group needs. | Hill climb challenge; maintaining steady pace across undulating terrain. |
| Investigate and apply movement concepts related to effort, space, time, objects and people (v9: AC9HP6M03) | Students explore efficiency and pacing; they learn how environmental conditions and equipment affect performance. | Use of trekking poles, step pacing and route planning activities. |
| Plan and practise strategies to promote personal and community health, safety and wellbeing (v9: AC9HP6P07) | Students practise bushwalking safety—hydration, rest, environmental care and group decision-making. | Group planning session on route safety, nutrition and hydration requirements. |
| Demonstrate ethical behaviour and fair play during cooperative physical activities (v8.4: ACPMP069) | Students take turns leading, assisting and supporting others within a team during a bushwalk. | Buddy system and rotating group leader roles. |
Years 7–8
| Curriculum content description (HPE) | How the activity links | Sample session feature |
|---|---|---|
| Analyse and refine movement skills and strategies in outdoor contexts (v9: AC9HP8M01) | Students refine walking and navigation strategies, learning to manage energy and route selection effectively. | Navigation course including map-to-ground alignment, bearing setting and pacing. |
| Plan and implement strategies for connecting to natural environments to promote health and wellbeing (v9) | Students reflect on how being active in nature supports mental health, teamwork and resilience. | Guided reflection on benefits of time outdoors and mindfulness in movement. |
| Apply problem-solving and decision-making to enhance safety and participation in outdoor activities (v9: AC9HP8P09) | Students use navigation and hazard assessment to ensure safety and success during journeys. | Scenario-based decision-making (e.g., route detours, weather changes). |
| Select, use and refine strategies to support inclusion, fair play and collaboration (Achievement standard link) | Students share leadership, communicate and ensure group cohesion throughout the hike. | Team navigation challenges; shared goal setting and leadership rotation. |
Teacher notes
Before the activity: Discuss route planning, hydration, environmental awareness and safe walking techniques. Introduce navigation tools such as maps and compasses.
During the activity: Encourage communication, pacing, and teamwork. Integrate navigation checkpoints and safety discussions at key points.
After the activity: Facilitate reflection on teamwork, leadership and how outdoor exercise contributes to wellbeing and resilience.
This activity supports the Movement & Physical Activity and Personal, Social & Community Health strands for Years 5–8.
Book or ask a curriculum question
Need this page as a PDF or curriculum alignment for another activity? Email enquiries@scoutadventures.com.au.
