Lake Macquarie High School

Quality Education in a Caring Environment

Excursion Policy

Rationale:

Excursions are an integral part of the school's curriculum and specifically of the student's learning program.
Excursions offer students an enrichment experience to the planned curriculum.

Aim: 

• To provide a safe, secure learning experience for students in a venue external to the school.
• To ensure that all staff are aware of changes to the routine in the school.

Implementation:

Strict adherence to the DET excursion policy must be maintained. The following statements of policy apply to all excursions:

1. The needs and resources of the school and its students must be taken into account when determining the educational value of an excursion.
2. All students within the specific learning group are to be given the opportunity to participate in the excursion.
3. A duty of care is owed to students while on an excursion.
4. The DET duty of care cannot be delegated to others for the duration of the excursion.
5. The child protection protocols of the DET are to be followed while on excursions, particularly the reporting aspects.
6. A risk assessment is to be conducted and risk management plan developed before seeking approval for the excursion.
7. Signed consent forms granting permission for students to participate in the excursion and a medical information form are to be obtained from parents and caregivers.
8. Safe transport or a safe walking route is to be organised for the excursion.
9. Students must behave appropriately at all times while on excursions.
10. All excursion organisation and arrangements, including payment of all student monies and approval and completion of variation to routine forms, must be finalised at least one week before the excursion is to leave the school.
11. Staff organising and attending excursions must make sure that they acquaint themselves with the DET and school accident policies.