PLANNING OFF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

The risk management plan will enable the determination of whether the activity is a minor or major
excursion. If it involves any inherent risk it is a Major Excursion (see 3.3 below) and the Major
Excursion Consent and Medical Information Form – Off Campus Excursions (TASED-4-1763) must
be completed. If it is a water-based activity the Consent for Aquatic Activity must be completed as
well. If there is no signed consent form obtained the student must not undertake the activity.
Off campus education activities should be monitored as they are taking place and after they have
been completed they should be reviewed. This requires detailed communication with those involved
and in some cases consultation with others who have particular insights and skills relevant to the
activity.
For legal reasons, and in accordance with DoE policy, decisions about staffing of off campus
activities, venues, transport, leader qualifications and all risk management plans must be documented
and kept on record.
In outdoor environments it is highly desirable to ensure students are protected from undue exposure
to the sun. This involves the application of adequate sun block and the use of available shaded
spaces as well as ensuring that students have appropriate clothing including a sunhat.
Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that programs, venues and equipment are suitable
and safe with precautions in place to minimise potential hazards. Where necessary, advice should be
sought from people who are qualified in the activity.
Many streams and rivers in Tasmania are infested with Giardia. This means water for drinking should
be boiled.
2.6. Communication
It is essential that communication processes are established between the school and the teachers on
off campus education activities. This requires that:
the principal, or a person nominated by the principal, is available at all times for advice and
help
relevant telephone numbers, including a dedicated emergency number, are known to those
involved
appropriate devices are available where students are in environments that are outside
ordinary telephone communication.
In the event of an emergency the principal must be contacted. The principal should then coordinate
the response and inform the relevant contact person in Learning Services for additional advice and
support.
There are a number of means for communication in outdoor and remote environments. These
include hand-held radios, mobile phones, satellite phones and Emergency Position Indicating Radio
Beacons (EPIRBs).
2.7. Supervision
The principal must ensure students are adequately supervised on all off campus education activities,
with many requirements to be met beforehand.
An assessment of the capabilities and needs of the students involved, including their physical
and emotional maturity.
Please refer to the online copy of this document (TASED-4-1765), located on the Tasmanian Department
of Education’s website to ensure this version is the most recent. P a g e | 9