Stage 2 Geography
As part of the SACE Stage 2 Geography course, students will have the opportunity to participate in a three-day fieldwork trip to Kangaroo Island, running from 7 to 9 April 2025. This hands-on experience will enable students to apply geography fieldwork techniques in real-world settings, meeting SACE requirements and preparing them for key assessments.
Kangaroo Island’s diverse ecosystems and the impact of invasive species make it an ideal case study for Ecosystems and People. Throughout the trip, students will work closely with KI Land for Wildlife, engaging in vegetation rehabilitation, conservation efforts, and data collection for their AT1, AT2, and AT3 assessments.
Dates:
Monday 7 – Wednesday 9 April 2025
Departure - Monday 7 April:
Meet at Westminster School (behind the Chapel) at 6.15 am
Depart at 6.30 am to Cape Jervis
Board the 9.00 am ferry to Kangaroo Island
Return - Wednesday 9 April:
Depart Penneshaw at 1.30 pm (ferry to Cape Jervis)
Arrive at Westminster School between 4.00 – 4.30 pm
Fieldwork Aims & Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Gain first-hand experience in understanding the social, economic, and environmental impacts on a local environment
- Develop geographical fieldwork skills
- Collect primary data for the AT1 Ecosystems and People assessment
- Build fieldwork techniques essential for the AT2 Individual Fieldwork Assessment and AT3 External Exam
Guiding Principles
Students are expected to:
- Engage responsibly with the environment and local communities
- Participate fully in learning activities and fieldwork tasks
- Work collaboratively and support one another
- Follow all safety instructions to ensure the well-being of the group
Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife Program
The Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife (KI LfW) program is a voluntary biodiversity conservation initiative supporting landholders in protecting native habitats. By removing key threats to plants and animals, the program allows threatened species to recover and thrive.
Through collaboration with private landholders and the community, the program conducts fauna surveys using wildlife cameras to better understand the presence of both native and feral species in the area.
Students will have the opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts while gaining valuable insights into sustainable land management.
View the Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife (KI LfW) program
Fieldwork Itinerary
Day One
- Depart Westminster School at 6.30 am
- Travel to Cape Jervis for the 9.00 am ferry to Penneshaw
- Begin fieldwork activities at Middle River with KI Land for Wildlife
- Visit Blue Gum Plantation sites en route to Parndana accommodation
- Conduct fieldwork activities around Parndana
Day Two
- Travel to Church Road property to study threatened species
- Participate in fieldwork activities with KI Land for Wildlife
- Visit Remarkable Rocks to observe coastal protection strategies
- Travel to Vivonne Bay before returning to Parndana accommodation
Day Three
- Evaluate blue gum invasion near Parndana
- Conduct fieldwork techniques across Kangaroo Island
- Prepare for the AT2 Individual Fieldwork Assessment
- Travel to Penneshaw for the 1.30 pm ferry back to Cape Jervis
- Arrive at Westminster School at approximately 4.00 pm
Packing List
Essentials
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Extra blanket if needed
- Comfortable clothing for three days
- Warm layers for cooler evenings
- Westminster sports shirts (green school top only, not house tops)
- Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
- Casual shoes or sandals
- Waterproof jacket and pants (weather dependent)
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Toiletries and personal hygiene items
- Towel for showering
Fieldwork Supplies
- Camera or smartphone for fieldwork documentation
- Fieldwork notebook and pens/pencils
- Backpack for daily use
- Refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent
Optional Items
- Binoculars for wildlife observation
- Non-perishable snacks for between meals
Medication & Health Requirements
To ensure student safety, medication administration must follow School policies.
Medication Requirements
- All medications must be provided in original packaging with a pharmacy label
- A Medication Agreement Form link must be completed and submitted at least one week before departure
- Medications should be handed to staff on the morning of departure
Asthma & Allergy Management
- Students with asthma must have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan uploaded to Consent2Go
- Those requiring assistance with asthma management must have an Asthma Kit provided by the Westminster Health Centre
- Students with diagnosed anaphylaxis must have an ASCIA Action Plan and emergency medications stored in an individual emergency kit at the School’s Health Centre
If your child has specific health conditions requiring non-standard first aid, an Individual First Aid Plan must be completed by their treating health professional.
For further inquiries regarding medical conditions or medication administration, please contact the Westminster Health Centre at:
- Phone: 8276 0270
- Email: health@westminster.sa.edu.au