Some senior pupils at The Catlins Area School are taking a different approach to schooling, with a new adventure tourism programme.
The Catlins Area School deputy principal Allan Jon said the programme included a range of elements from outdoor education and gathering and preparing ''wild foods'' to developing communication and tourism skills.
There were also two electives - most pupils took geography and hospitality (basic chef/catering training), but there were other elective options, he said.
Eight pupils are taking the course, including one from Germany. There are six more places available, and a second German pupil is expected later in the year.
''The idea was born from listening to our students. As far as we know, there is nothing like this in the Clutha district.''
The school had considered running the programme for more than a year.
''It's a really exciting venture, and we hope to run it every year.''
The programme is intended as a final year of school, so admission is available to pupils in year 13 or year 12 enrolled at The Catlins Area School.
