The Department of Education and Training recognises that the experiences of students outside school grounds contribute to the development of their understandings, skills and attitudes.

An excursion is any student learning activity conducted off school site that is organised and managed by a member of the teaching staff. Activities undertaken outside the relatively protective environment of the school premises involve greater risk.

When off site activities are planned, the school principal must authorise a teacher to be in charge of the excursion and approve the Excursion Management Plan. The teacher-in-charge must prepare an Excursion Management Plan for the proposed excursion which will provide an account of the:

• risks relevant to the:
  - environment
  - transport arrangements
  - students’ capacity in relation to activities
  - capabilities of the supervisor/supervisory team
  - involvement of external providers
  

• supervision strategies
• means of identifying excursion participants
• information to be provided to parents/guardians for their consent
• communication strategies
• emergency response planning
• briefing for excursion participants
  

Schools must provide parents/carers detailed information in advance of the proposed excursion. Parental consent is required for all excursions.

The Excursions: Off School Site Activities policy supports and enables schools to make informed decisions in relation to the management and conduct of activities off the school site.