Animate HPGE enrichment program | Stage 2–3 Creative Arts | Field of Mars EEC

Program activities

Activities may change to suit student needs, available materials, timing and weather conditions.

Nature observation and flip-book animation

Students explore Field of Mars Reserve and observe movement, pattern, texture and change in the natural environment. They use these observations to create a flip-book animation that introduces frame-by-frame movement and visual storytelling.

2D digital animation

Students use Field of Mars EEC iPads to create 2D digital animations. They sequence individual frames, adjust timing and add movement to characters, objects and natural features to construct animated bushland scenes.

Natural-material stop motion

Students use leaves, sticks, stones and other found natural materials to create stop-motion sequences. They arrange and photograph incremental changes to produce the illusion of movement while considering composition, continuity and timing.

Students combine and refine their stop motion animation using iMovie. They adjust timing, add transitions, sound and music, and make editing decisions that strengthen the communication of their ideas.

Edit and share

Students combine all their animations using iMovie, adding music and titles.

Completed animations are shared with participating schools through Google Drive so students can view, celebrate and continue developing their creative work.

Timetable

Time	Activities
9.15	Arrival
9.30–10.15	Nature observation and flip-book animation
10.15–10.30	Recess
10.30–12.00	2D digital animation
12.00–12.30	Lunch
12.30–1.30	Natural-material stop motion
1.30–2.00	Edit and share
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 movement, pattern, texture and change in the natural environment
• develop animated ideas from observations and personal interpretations of the world
• plan and sequence images to create the illusion of movement
• apply flip-book, 2D digital and stop-motion animation techniques
• manipulate still and moving images, text and sound using digital tools
• use timing, composition and transitions to communicate ideas
• review, edit and refine an animation for an audience.

The program supports the Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) through visual arts making, digital technologies, composition, representation and the communication of ideas through moving images.

Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) – Stage 2

Visual Arts

Outcome

• CA2-VIS-01 – Makes artworks using art forms to represent subject matter and ideas, and describes ways artists convey ideas about their world to audiences through artworks

Content addressed

Making: Artists represent their world through subject matter and ideas in artworks

• Represent subject matter and ideas in artworks, making choices based on own interpretations of the world
• Explore digital tools to make or manipulate still or moving images, text and/or sounds
• Explore balance, scale and proportion in compositions to represent subject matter and ideas

Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) – Stage 3

Visual Arts

Outcome

• CA3-VIS-01 – Makes artworks in intentional ways to represent ideas about their world, and explains ways artists are influenced by contexts and how artworks are interpreted by audiences

Content addressed

Making: Artists represent their world in intentional ways through their artmaking practice

• Apply understandings of materials, digital technologies and processes to represent intended ideas in artworks
• Explore artistic conventions and ways to represent subject matter and ideas in compositions

Creative Arts 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

animate, communicate, compose, convey, create, critique, observe, refine, represent, sequence, animation, composition, 2D, stop-motion, flip book, frame-by-frame, storyboard, timeline, timing, transition, soundtrack

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 2 and Stage 3 students enrolled in NSW Department of Education schools.

Schools should select students who demonstrate strong interest or potential in animation, visual storytelling, drawing, digital media, sequencing, creative problem-solving or experimentation. Selection should consider curiosity and potential, not only prior achievement.

Dates and booking

Animate 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 artmaking, outdoor observations in bushland, walking near natural vegetation and creeks, arranging natural materials and using iPads and artmaking equipment.

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