This information has moved to the new Policy and Advisory Library (PAL). The content is an archive only and is no longer being maintained. For accurate advice visit PAL.
The safe running of outdoor and adventure activities requires:
- active decision making
- the identification of potential risks and difficulties.
These adventure activity guidelines are for developing risk management plans specific to the location, activity and group participating. They support your professional judgement and experience.
If you plan to inspect a venue or location, either within or outside of normal school hours, prior approval should be sought from the principal.
The Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) are agreed minimum activity standards for adventure operators and they do not necessarily reflect the greater duty of care owed to students. For activities not listed on this site, principals and teachers need to comply with the AAAS, and consider the greater duty of care that is required for students.
The Australian Adventure Activity Standards can be found at Outdoors Victoria
For more information, see:
Risk management.
Activity types
Activities without guidelines
Schools may consider adventure-based activities for which specific guidelines have not been provided or are not under development. Before undertaking these activities, principals must satisfy themselves that the activities:
- are of education value
- are supervised and instructed by appropriately experienced and/or qualified staff
- when offered by an external provider, have appropriate insurance cover.
Further information and advice should also be gathered from more than one source. This may be obtained through:
- peak bodies
- professional associations
- colleagues with experience instructing the activity with students.
A thorough risk assessment is critical when undertaking an activity for which guidelines have not been provided.