Introduction
The ‘Exploration Society’ is an umbrella term for a wide variety of recreational outdoor activities and educational programmes. Pupils are encouraged to participate in these activities details of which appear on the Daily Notice.
Most of the activities have an attached fee and pupils need to check with parents in this regard. Payment for the activities that are run by independent companies need to be made directly by the participant to the company involved.
These activities usually take place on Sundays and must not take precedence over regular normal school sporting and cultural commitments.
Mr G Creese is the staff member who carries overall responsibility for the Exploration Society. A number of staff run specific activities and they have to organize them around their other school commitments.
Expeditions
Major expeditions in the past have been arranged to: Kilimanjaro, Zimbabwe, Brandberg, Fish River Canyon, Mauritius, Mozambique, Uganda, the Okavango Swamps and Namibia. These usually take place during the holidays.
In the Eastern Cape region, expeditions and outings have been made to Hobbiton-on- Hogsback, the Baviaanskloof, Tiffendale Ski Resort, and to local game reserves.
Exploration Society staff are actively involved in structured outdoor education programmes such as the Newboy Camp, the Fish River Journey for the Grade 10s and the Long Walk. On a smaller scale, environmental clean-ups at particular sites are organised.
Outdoor Sports organised on availability and demand
The Exploration Society organises opportunities for boys to participate in white water rafting, river tubing, parachute jumping, and sea kayaking.
Cycling
Teacher in Charge: Mr D Boshoff
Both road and mountain bike trips can be organised. You need to have your own bike or access to a bike.
Salt Water Angling
Teacher in charge: Mr NA Bouwer
Regular saltwater outings take place most weekends. Popular destinations are Cannon Rocks, the College Shack near Oyster Bay, and overnight camping trips to the Kariega River (±6km from the river mouth on the Galpin’s farm).
Two to three sea fishing outings per term are arranged. These take place over weekends and the group stays over at Canon Rocks or at the College Shack, a remarkable fishing site near Oyster Bay. Five or six boys are able to go at one time.
Freshwater Fishing and Flyfishing
Teacher in charge Mr M Petersen (Hairy Fairy Flies)
Flyfishing courses have been organised in the past and freshwater and flyfishing outings can be arranged to local farm dams and the Fish River, as well as to flyfishing venues further away by arrangement.
Hiking
Teacher in Charge: Mr S Taylor
Hikes in the Grahamstown district can be organised by arrangement.
Sailing
Teacher in Charge: Ms K Buchner
Sailing outings take place on Settlers Dam. There may be opportunities to participate in local and regional regattas.
Scuba Diving
Teacher in Charge: Mr G Creese
Scuba diving is a popular weekend activity at College. We offer NAUI-affiliated scuba diving courses (Open Water 1, Advanced Diver and Rescue Diver qualifications) which are recognized worldwide, as well as informal diving through an excellent dive school in Port Alfred. They provide all equipment and professional tuition and supervision. Diving is always subject to sea conditions, and we try to go on at least 3 or 4 Sundays a term. There is also the possibility of weekend trips to diving destinations further away.
Teacher in Charge: Mr G Creese
Skydiving
For the brave! You must be at least 16 years old to take part in this activity. EP Skydivers is based in Grahamstown, and offers static line courses and tandem jumps. Courses usually run on Friday evenings, followed by a first jump on Saturday or Sunday morning.
Teacher in Charge: Mr G Creese
Surfing
This club is for keen surfers and body boarders. We try for one weekend away per term to places like Plettenberg Bay, Jeffrey’s Bay or Port Alfred. Beginners and proficient surfers of all ages are welcome. Boys are expected to provide their own boards and equipment.
