About Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre (Field of Mars EEC) is a specialist NSW Department of Education school, located in the Field of Mars Reserve, East Ryde, Sydney. We provide curriculum-aligned school excursions, incursions, high-potential/gifted education (HPGE) programs and teacher professional learning for all NSW public and non-government schools from Kindergarten through Year 12. Our hands-on outdoor learning takes place in bushland, waterways, urban and school settings across Sydney and supports student engagement, environmental awareness and syllabus-aligned learning in science, geography, HSIE, creative arts and sustainability.

Our location and environment

Field of Mars EEC is based within the ecologically rich urban bushland of Field of Mars Reserve in East Ryde, part of the Lane Cove River catchment. We also use additional local bushland, waterways, parks and urban sites to deliver flexible outdoor and incursions programs. These natural settings enable real-world environmental and sustainability learning that connects to student’s local communities.

What we offer / programs

We work with NSW public and non-government schools across Greater Sydney to deliver:

• School excursions and incursions for K–12 students, tailored to syllabus outcomes and class needs.
• HPGE enrichment programs and specialised fieldwork or creative-arts opportunities for high-potential students.
• Teacher professional Learning workshops and training in outdoor education, environmental learning, fieldwork pedagogy and sustainability practices.
• Pre-visit and post-visit resources, digital books, lesson ideas, classroom activities and learning support materials to reinforce excursion/incursion experiences back at school.
• Where relevant, programs include Indigenous perspectives, land/community history, local ecology and sustainability education.

Our team and expertise

All Field of Mars EEC programs are led by qualified NSW Department of Education teachers with specialist training in environmental education, outdoor learning and fieldwork. Our staff draw on local ecological knowledge and professional teaching expertise to deliver safe, engaging and syllabus-aligned environmental learning experiences.

Who can book / school eligibility

We welcome bookings from all NSW public and private schools (primary and secondary). Whether you are planning a bushland excursion, an in-school incursion, an HPGE enrichment day or teacher professional learning, Field of Mars EEC can tailor experiences to suit your class stage, student needs and curriculum requirements.

Visitor information and access

Our centre is located at: Field of Mars Reserve, Pittwater Road, East Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia. We provide detailed visitor information including maps, transport and bus access, parking, excursion logistics, risk assessments and site-specific guidelines to help schools plan a smooth and safe visit.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

We maintain a comprehensive FAQ section addressing common teacher and parent questions about bookings, costs, supervision, site access, inclusivity, risk management, facilities, and required equipment, ensuring clarity and support before your excursion or incursion.

Our role in the NSW Environmental Education Network

Field of Mars EEC is part of the broader network of NSW Environmental and Zoo Education Centres, delivering high-quality, teacher-led outdoor and sustainability education throughout the state. We support schools with expertise, resources and opportunities to engage students with nature, environmental science, sustainability and place-based learning.

Why choose Field of Mars EEC?

• Centrally located in Sydney bushland near East Ryde, easily accessible for metropolitan schools.
• Qualified NSW Department of Education teachers delivering all programs.
• A wide range of flexible, curriculum-aligned programs for K–12, excursions, incursions, HPGE, teacher PL.
• Real-world, hands-on learning in natural environments linking science, geography, sustainability and culture.
• Comprehensive pre-visit and follow-up learning resources to support ongoing environmental education in schools.