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.

Do I need to book a bus?

Yes. Book once your excursion is confirmed 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 be double-booked, and you will be notified.

How much do programs cost?

Costs vary depending on the program. Prices can be found on individual program pages. Non-government schools pay a minimum of $750 per class with up to 30 students per class. Prices may change. See below for information about what program costs cover.

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 fee 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.

Can programs be adjusted for students with disability, medical needs or additional support needs?

Programs can often be adjusted to support student needs. Please include relevant information when booking or contact the centre before your visit so adjustments can be discussed.

Can parents attend?

Yes. A maximum of one parent per class (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).

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.

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.

What happens if I need to cancel?

Cancellations with less than 30 working school days notice will incur a $600 administration fee.

Cancellations with less than 7 working 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 fees.

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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