Outdoor Learning

At Cockle Bay School, we offer a wide range of experiences outside the classroom. These opportunities enrich the educational experiences for students.

Waterwise

The Waterwise programme at Cockle Bay is offered to both Year 5 and 6 students. Each class in Year 6 spends two days at Howick Beach in Term 1 and each Year 5 class enjoys two days at Howick Beach in Term 4. Run by trained Waterwise instructors, students participate in both onshore and water activities including sailing, kayaking and learning knots. In a country surrounded by water, this programme aims to develop not just water confidence and skills but also aims to give our students a strong sense of independence and connection to our local marine environment.

Waterwise Website

Year 4 Kōtuku Camp

Year 4 Camp is an opportunity for students to experience an overnight two-day camp at Willow Park, Eastern Beach. The main purpose is to provide opportunities for hands-on experiences and real-world applications of concepts taught at school. The Year 4 camp takes place in December. For many students, this is their first time away from home. We do our utmost to ensure that all students have an enjoyable time, with fun activities to keep them engaged, preparing them for the challenges of the camp in Year 5 where these social skills will be built on.

Year 5 Kākāpō Camp

Year 5 team attend a three day-two night camp at Carey Park, Henderson nestled below the Waitakere Ranges. Our main focus is for the children to form positive relationships with each other, and have experiences they cannot find in the classroom. For many children this is their first time on a confidence course, first time rock climbing or having a go at archery. Whilst at camp, our students develop team building through interactive challenges.

Year 6 Takahē Camp

The Year 6 Takahē team enjoy a 3-day camp held at Tōtara Springs Christian Camp. Tōtara Springs is the largest centre of its kind in New Zealand and is situated in a beautiful setting, nestled at the foot of the Kaimai Mountain ranges in Matamata.

The students experience a range of outdoor activities that allow them to dig deep to find courage, build comradery and work collaboratively to complete outdoor challenges.