Adventure club HPGE | Stage 3 PDHPE

Program activities

Activities may change to suit student needs, participant numbers, timing and weather conditions.

Bushcraft journal and bushwalk

Students receive a bushcraft journal, compass, map and pencil before completing a guided bushwalk through Field of Mars Reserve. They develop observation skills by identifying useful plants, natural materials, animal evidence and environmental features that can support safe outdoor movement and navigation.

Students record field notes, labelled diagrams and sketch maps in their journal.

Basecamp

Students work in teams to establish a minimal-impact basecamp. They select suitable locations by considering sunlight, wind, terrain and ground conditions, then complete a hazard assessment before setting up tents and tarps.

Students practise safe tent pegging and use simple knots to tension and secure their shelters.

Terrain and navigation

Students calculate their pace count over a measured 10-metre distance and consider factors that may affect its accuracy, including slope, fatigue, uneven terrain and distractions.

They learn basic compass skills, follow bearings, interpret natural features and make route decisions while completing a team navigation challenge.

Build and reflect

Students create raffia cordage and use natural materials to construct a small low-impact campsite. They demonstrate practical bushcraft skills and discuss ways to reduce damage and disturbance when visiting natural places.

Students complete a journal reflection evaluating their teamwork, communication, resilience, leadership and problem-solving.

Timetable

Time	Activities
9.15	Arrival
9.30–10.30	Bushcraft journal and bushwalk
10.30–11.00	Recess
11.00–11.45	Basecamp
11.45–12.30	Terrain and navigation
12.30–1.00	Lunch
1.00–2.00	Build and reflect
2.15	Student collection and departure

The timetable may be adjusted according to participant numbers, environmental conditions and the needs of participating students.

Syllabus outcomes and content

Students will learn to

• observe terrain, vegetation and other environmental features that can assist outdoor navigation
• identify and assess hazards when establishing and using a bushland basecamp
• use maps, pace counting and compass bearings to navigate through a natural environment
• collect, record and interpret observations and navigation data
• apply communication, collaboration, leadership and problem-solving skills during team challenges
• make and justify decisions that support the safety and success of a group
• construct a low-impact campsite using specified materials and explain how their choices reduce environmental disturbance
• reflect on the use of resilience, teamwork and self-management strategies.

The program supports the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K–6 Syllabus (2024) through self-management, interpersonal skills, informed decision-making, resilience, leadership and collaboration.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K–6 Syllabus (2024) – Stage 3

Self-management and interpersonal skills

Outcome

• PH3-SMI-01 – Evaluates and applies self-management and interpersonal skills in a range of contexts –

Content addressed

Self-management skills are supported by informed decisions

• Apply problem-solving and decision-making actions across contexts

Interpersonal skills enhance positive interactions and effective communication

• Apply and evaluate interpersonal skills to make decisions that support the wellbeing of themselves and others
• Describe and demonstrate respectful and effective communication to promote leadership, inclusion and collaboration

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K–6 Syllabus (2024) © NSW Education Standards Authority for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024

Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary

analyse, assess, bearing, collaborate, communicate, compass, cordage, decision-making, environment, evaluate, evidence, hazard, inference, leadership, minimal impact, navigate, observation, orientate, pace count, resilience, route, shelter, terrain

Program costs, eligibility and booking

Cost

$60 per student – GST free

Program costs are processed through each student’s home school.

Program costs may change. If program costs change after you book, you will be charged at the original cost.

Eligibility

This program is available to Stage 3 students enrolled in NSW Department of Education schools.

Schools should select students who demonstrate strong interest or potential in outdoor learning, navigation, leadership, teamwork, practical problem-solving or physical challenge. Selection should consider curiosity and potential, not only prior achievement.

Dates and booking

Adventure club is offered on selected HPGE program dates. Check available dates and remaining places before selecting students.

View HPGE program dates and remaining places

Cancellations

Less than 4 weeks notice – full cost (excluding HPGE programs in Term 1, Weeks 3–5)

Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0

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Student numbers, supervision and support

Student numbers

A school may nominate up to twelve students for each HPGE program day.

Places are limited and subject to the remaining program capacity.

Supervision

Classroom teachers are not required to attend but are welcome.

Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre teachers supervise students throughout the program. Schools must provide a teacher or school learning support officer when a student requires additional assistance to participate safely and successfully.

Student information

Schools must provide accurate medical, allergy, medication, emergency contact, collection and support information for every participating student.

Student details must be confirmed at least seven working school days before the program. Changes can be made using the edit-submission link provided with the booking confirmation.

Support and adjustments

Notify Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre before the program about any mobility, sensory, communication, behavioural, medical or learning support requirements. Staff can discuss reasonable adjustments and suitable participation options.

What to bring, arrival and transport

Students should bring

School sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunscreen, raincoat, hat and sturdy shoes.

Arrival and departure

Students should be dropped off by 9.15 am and collected at 2.15 pm.

A teacher, parent or responsible adult must supervise students until they have been received by Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre staff.

Transport and parking

Schools and families are responsible for transport to and from Field of Mars Reserve.

Cars must park in the main car park beside Pittwater Road. Students and accompanying adults then walk along the access road to the centre.

View Field of Mars Reserve location and access information

Risk management, weather and cancellations

Risk management

The program includes indoor activities, bushland walking, navigation activities, movement near natural vegetation and creeks, and the supervised use of tents, tarps, pegs, cordage and compasses.

Schools should review the Field of Mars Reserve risk management information when planning student participation and transport.

Students who are unwell should not attend.

View the Field of Mars Reserve risk management plan⁠

View Field of Mars Reserve location and access information

⁠Weather

The program may be modified, postponed or cancelled because of predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, high winds or dust storms.

Field activities may continue in light rain when conditions are safe. Students must bring a waterproof raincoat.

Families may be directed to the Westminster Road entrance when flooding prevents access through the main entrance.

View Westminster Road entrance information