Frequently asked questions | Field of Mars EEC

How do I book an excursion or incursion?

Check the booking calendar and submit your request. You will receive a confirmation email with the booking details and links to important program information.

What will the school receive after booking?

A confirmation email with booking details, program links, risk management, site information, transport access, syllabus links and learning resources.

Does Field of Mars EEC provide a risk management plan?

Yes. Links to risk management documents are on each program page under the location information.

Does Field of Mars EEC have a certificate of currency?

Field of Mars EEC is a specialist school that is part of the NSW Department of Education. The department has a certificate of currency that covers all NSW schools.

What do students do during an excursion or incursion?

Activities are listed on each program page. Please note activities may vary due to student needs, site selection and weather conditions.

We regularly update our programs and timetables to improve learning experiences.

Are there pre-visit activities or learning resources for teachers and students?

Yes. Many programs include supporting learning resources such as worksheets, fieldwork materials, social stories or pre-excursion activities. These are linked on relevant program or learning resource pages.

Do I need to book a bus?

Yes. Book after your booking is submitted and provide the site details to the bus company. Rigid buses can access Field of Mars Reserve, but articulated buses cannot.

Who can book a program with Field of Mars EEC?

The centre serves NSW Department of Education schools, with limited places for non-government schools.

Will there be other schools onsite during my excursion?

Possibly. Smaller excursions may share the site with another school. You will be notified in advance.

Does the centre cater for schools outside Greater Sydney?

Field of Mars EEC may be able to provide programs for schools outside Greater Sydney, depending on staff availability, travel requirements and scheduling. A minimum charge of $750 per class applies. Contact the centre directly to discuss your school’s location and program needs.

How much do programs cost?

Costs vary depending on the program. Prices can be found on individual program pages. Nongovernment schools pay a minimum of $750 per class with up to 30 students per class. Schools outside Greater Sydney pay a minimum of $750 per class. Program costs may change. If program costs change after you book, you will be charged at the original cost.

Why do Field of Mars EEC programs cost what they do?

Program costs help cover the work of qualified Department of Education teachers, as well as the resources and consumables used during each program. Pricing supports the planning and delivery of safe, high-quality, curriculum-aligned learning experiences for students.

What happens if I need a bespoke program or major modifications to an existing program?

A $1,000 development cost will be added to the standard per-student cost for fully bespoke programs or major program modifications.

Are Field of Mars EEC staff teachers?

Yes. All staff are qualified Department of Education teachers with outdoor learning experience.

Do classroom teachers need to attend and supervise students?

Yes. Classroom teachers are expected to attend and actively supervise students throughout the regular excursion and incursion programs.

Are Field of Mars programs accessible for students with mobility or additional support needs?

Many programs can be adjusted to support students with disability and additional learning needs. Field of Mars EEC has wheelchair-accessible options, accessible toilets and an all-terrain wheelchair available for some visits. Please contact the centre before your excursion or incursion so suitable adjustments can be planned.

Can parents attend?

Yes. A maximum of one parent per class may attend, if required. No pre-schoolers.

What should adults wear?

Bushwalking clothes and closed shoes. Without closed shoes, some activities are restricted.

What should the students wear?

Sports uniform, closed shoes and a hat. Closed shoes are required.

What should students bring?

Food, drinks, sunblock, hats, wet weather gear (no umbrellas) in a backpack. One water bottle is essential, two in summer (one frozen).

Do students need to bring any extra equipment for fieldwork?

Usually no extra equipment is needed for primary programs. Some secondary fieldwork programs may require students to bring items such as a clipboard, pencil or mobile device. Any program-specific requirements are listed on the program page.

What does the school need to organise before the day?

Schools are responsible for organising transport if required, preparing students for outdoor conditions, ensuring students bring the items listed above, and bringing their own first aid kit and first aid officer. Secondary schools are responsible for printing worksheets.

What happens if a student is unwell?

Sick students should not attend.

What about first aid?

Schools must bring their own kit and first aid officer. All Field of Mars EEC staff are first aid trained. The centre has first aid kits, Epipens, Ventolin and access to a defibrillator nearby.

What if the weather is wet?

Excursions may be postponed if conditions are unsafe. If rain is light, they usually proceed. Bring rain jackets (no umbrellas). Contact the centre to discuss. Replacement dates may not be available.

What if extreme temperature, wind or dust is predicted on the day of the excursion?

Excursions may be postponed or modified if conditions are unsafe. Contact the centre to discuss. Replacement dates may not be available.

What happens if the weather conditions change during the excursion?

Activities will be adjusted for safety. Students may have reduced breaks, and indoor activities may be provided.

What happens if the fire danger rating is predicted to be extreme or catastrophic?

Extreme fire danger will likely postpone excursions. Catastrophic danger requires postponement or cancellation. The centre will contact you. Replacement dates may not be available.

What happens if our student numbers change?

Confirm student numbers 7 working school days prior to the program.

What happens if I need to change my date?

Please contact the centre as soon as possible if you need to change your date. Changes depend on program availability and suitable alternative dates may not always be available.

Rescheduling with less than 30 school days notice of the booking date will incur a $650 administration charge.

What happens if I need to cancel?

Cancellations with less than 30 school days notice will incur a $650 administration charge.

Cancellations with less than 14 school days notice will incur the full cost for the program based on the original booking.

Cancellations due to weather or fire danger are exempt from cancellation charges.

Trigger points for cancellation

Field of Mars EEC monitors Bureau of Meteorology warnings and may cancel, postpone or modify excursions if conditions are unsafe. Schools will be contacted promptly if this occurs. Please call the centre if you have weather concerns.

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