A WEEK without technology can be a long time in the life of a teenager unless they are a Southern Cross Catholic College Year 9 student.
The 99 students from the Scarborough college left all technologies including mobile phones, MP3 players and Tablets behind for seven days, in exchange for the company of their teachers and peers for the school’s annual Damascus program rural immersion.
The immersion incorporated three nights camping in Longreach, and two nights camping at Carnarvon Gorge, and was designed to engage and challenge student perceptions, perspectives and opinions of the world around them.
Middle Years curriculum co-ordinator Marea McMahon said the immersion was part of a broader, award-winning Middle Years curriculum that had run in the college for the past four years.
Ms McMahon said the modules of the Damascus program addressed issues such as spirituality, environmental stewardship, urban awareness, team building, body image and fitness.
“Year 9 students need to be challenged to discover their place in the world, which is why the Damascus program was so valuable,” she said.
“Students are involved in a learning program which involves a series of on-campus and off-campus activities which take place every Wednesday during the school year.
“They also take part in the week-long rural immersion, which has the potential to be life-changing by challenging the physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive and social limits of each student.”
The immersion that was held during the last week of second term included a visit to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame; a ride in a Kinnon & Co mail coach; a visit to the Age of Dinosaurs Museum, Winton; and a 14km trek at Carnarvon Gorge.
Participant Ellie Farenden said although the immersion was sometimes difficult, it helped her appreciate all she had.
“Being with your friends all day, every day was a bit hard sometimes, but we learnt how to get on with each other and to tolerate our differences,” she said.
“It also made me appreciate even the little things I have at home such as my family, a warm, comfortable bed and things such as computers and television.”
