Mary MacKillop Centre Outdoor Learning Program (Sacred Heart College, Australia, 2022) offers a warm, observant portrayal of an outdoor learning program. The film explores group activities and practical skill development, highlighting achievement and everyday moments of teenagers with intellectual and congenital disability. It celebrates social connection, learning and inclusion without sensationalism. As part of the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, it contributes an honest and hopeful perspective on how schools and community programs support young people with disability. Recommended for educators, families and festival audiences interested in inclusive practice.
Just seeing students grow over the few days and some of these students have done it for the past couple of years, so seeing them develop their skills in the different areas, have some more self-confidence in trying new things and challenging themselves is probably the best thing to come out of it from my end. G'day mate. You know our students get a lot of extra help with different things and it's a great opportunity for them to kind of fend for themselves in a way, in a supported environment and to challenge themselves with activities they wouldn't normally have the opportunity to do. I am a great believer in that people have to challenge themselves to grow and learn and I have seen all of our mainstream students benefiting from that over the years and now to see students who are living with disabilities being able to access the same sort of programs where they realise that challenges are just there to grow us has been wonderful. So the benefits to me for the students are that they come back with a renewed sense of self-esteem, they feel more confident and they've actually learnt some skills. Oh, battleships! Alright, what have we got here girls? Pizza! The last few days, fun, we had some campfire sing-alongs which they all were involved in. The activities on my end, I love getting out into nature, into the bush, giving them some new experiences, just a really fun few days. Alright, so who's had a good time? Yeah! I've enjoyed the campfire sing and then I was just mate with Michaela and Tom-Tom. How would you rate the camp this year? One hundred out of ten. Ten out of ten. Ten out of ten. Alright! It went really well because last year they came as well and they learnt a whole new set of skills and this year they actually used a lot of the skills that they had learnt last year and then extended on it from there. It helps them to use their initiative and work as a team and it's become quite like a nice family, so everyone's looking out for everyone and it really works well. I love coming on this program, I like the idea that it's a shared experience for us all so Mr S helps put it together, we're well supported by the school all the way through to Mr Bothy supporting us and I think it gives these guys a really good opportunity to work together in their small little groups that they work in. They're fantastic, they all understand each other's little strengths and weaknesses and they help each other and some of the skills that they get to develop in terms of independence are quite special. Who started this? Me! Even though others may not realise it, they are capable of the independent learning skills that they do when we cook, when we're cleaning up, when we're setting up tents, when we're packing away, all those different things. When we're looking after each other up the climbing wall, how caring and compassionate they are for each other, how encouraging they are, but also how resilient they are in actually freaking out maybe, you know, and then looking like they don't want to do it again but then five minutes later they're back wanting to do it again and go a little bit higher. Every time I've been on an after ed program I have seen every student grow in some way, you know, whether they've liked it at the time, at the end, they've all grown so I think it's sensational that we offer those programs.
Filmmaker
Sacred Heart College is the filmmaker behind this entry.
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11 comments
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Kevin Hoti31/08/2022
Congratulations Periscope
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Michella Hill30/08/2022
I loved watching this documentary on the outdoor program. Having been involved with similar programs as a leader 30-odd years ago it was lovely to glimpse modern day facilities and see the contemporary challenges and activities available. Fantastic that the facility is inclusive and can create bespoke programs for those with differing abilities. Such programs enrich participants personal interpersonal and physical skills. Well done on the producers of the documentary in shining a light on the camp.
A
Adele Swan28/08/2022
I loved watching this. A credit to periscope crew for giving us an awesome insight into what is clearly a very special experience for all involved. I can say first hand that I have seen the results of the growth and Personnal development these camp bring. The staff go above and beyond and it is definitely a beautiful family atmosphere. The smiles definitely say it all. Great work
H
Helen Jolley27/08/2022
Such a great film showing a wonderful insite into what must be an such an amazing experience for all involved . Well done.
B
Betty Cockman26/08/2022
This video achieved an important outcome in demonstrating how disabled people can enjoy accomplishing confidence and life skills. The team of teachers and supporters explained a lot of critical issues and showed the way. Impressive and moving production.
S
Susan Rawlings25/08/2022
Such a great film capturing all the fun and hard work that goes in to making these programs work. Sacred Heart is so lucky to have the wonderful staff that give so much of themselves. Great job Periscope Crew for sharing a small glimpse into the happenings at the MMC.
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Catherine Marcello25/08/2022
Such committed Staff giving young people opportunities. These opportunities turn into life skills. Well Done Sacred Heart.
F
Felicity Hollow25/08/2022
Full marks and admiration to all those people involved in this program of helping those less fortunate to achieve their potential and happiness and to the Periscope Crew for their involvement in showing us the great work being done.
E
Emma Cockman24/08/2022
Congratulations Sacred Heart College on creating a wonderful program that caters to All Abilities and well done to The Periscope Crew for capturing the magic.
C
Catherine Kolomyjec24/08/2022
Such a wonderful film about the Heart of Sacred Heart College made with last students of the College - a celebration of the possibilities. Well done Crew x
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Geraldene Parrotte24/08/2022
Congratulations Periscope Crew on another fantastic film and well done Sacred Heart for supporting such a fabulous program. Those smiles say it all.
Congratulations Periscope
I loved watching this documentary on the outdoor program. Having been involved with similar programs as a leader 30-odd years ago it was lovely to glimpse modern day facilities and see the contemporary challenges and activities available. Fantastic that the facility is inclusive and can create bespoke programs for those with differing abilities. Such programs enrich participants personal interpersonal and physical skills. Well done on the producers of the documentary in shining a light on the camp.
I loved watching this. A credit to periscope crew for giving us an awesome insight into what is clearly a very special experience for all involved. I can say first hand that I have seen the results of the growth and Personnal development these camp bring. The staff go above and beyond and it is definitely a beautiful family atmosphere. The smiles definitely say it all. Great work
Such a great film showing a wonderful insite into what must be an such an amazing experience for all involved . Well done.
This video achieved an important outcome in demonstrating how disabled people can enjoy accomplishing confidence and life skills. The team of teachers and supporters explained a lot of critical issues and showed the way. Impressive and moving production.
Such a great film capturing all the fun and hard work that goes in to making these programs work. Sacred Heart is so lucky to have the wonderful staff that give so much of themselves. Great job Periscope Crew for sharing a small glimpse into the happenings at the MMC.
Such committed Staff giving young people opportunities. These opportunities turn into life skills. Well Done Sacred Heart.
Full marks and admiration to all those people involved in this program of helping those less fortunate to achieve their potential and happiness and to the Periscope Crew for their involvement in showing us the great work being done.
Congratulations Sacred Heart College on creating a wonderful program that caters to All Abilities and well done to The Periscope Crew for capturing the magic.
Such a wonderful film about the Heart of Sacred Heart College made with last students of the College - a celebration of the possibilities. Well done Crew x
Congratulations Periscope Crew on another fantastic film and well done Sacred Heart for supporting such a fabulous program. Those smiles say it all.