Animate HPGE enrichment program | Stage 2–3 Creative Arts | Field of Mars EEC
Program overview
Animate is a one-day Stage 2 and Stage 3 Creative Arts HPGE enrichment program where students transform nature observations into animated stories. Inspired by Field of Mars Reserve, students create flip-book animations, 2D digital animations and stop-motion sequences using natural materials and Field of Mars EEC iPads. Completed animations are shared back to school via Google Drive. HPGE domains: creative, intellectual.
Learning intention
- We are learning to use animation techniques, sequencing and digital tools to creatively represent ideas inspired by nature.
Essential information
Cost and details
Cost |
$60 per student - GST free This will be processed through the student's home school. This program is only available to NSW Department of Education school students. |
Dates |
Available dates |
Times |
9.15 – Drop off 2.15 – Pick up |
Risk assessment |
See location tile below. |
Transport |
Schools are required to organise transport for students to and from the location. No vehicles are permitted into Field of Mars Reserve. |
Staff |
Teachers are not required to attend but are welcome. |
Student selection |
Max 12 students per school per day. When choosing your students, remember the program takes place indoors, outdoors and in public spaces. Students may be near creeks and bushland tracks. While EEC teachers supervise them all day, consider if they’ll need SLSO or teacher support to stay safe. |
Bring |
Sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, reusable name tag. |
View |
Preparing for your excursion |
Welfare |
Participants will be walking during the day on an accessible boardwalk. Wheelchair accessible. May not suit recently unwell participants. For medical or special needs notify staff prior to program. |
Extreme or wet weather |
Program may be modified, postponed or cancelled due to predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, high winds or dust storms. |
Booking policy |
Confirm student details 7 days in advance. |
Cancellation fee |
Less than 4 weeks notice – full cost (excluding HPGE programs in Term 1, Weeks 3–5) Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0 |
Activities
Flipping
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 storytelling.
Animation studio
Students use Field of Mars EEC iPads to create 2D digital animations. They build animated bushland scenes by sequencing frames, adjusting timing and adding movement to characters, objects and natural features.
Inspired by natural materials and environmental art, students create stop-motion sequences using leaves, sticks, stones and other found objects. They combine their animations in iMovie, refining timing, transitions, sound and music to create a nature-based animated film.
All animations will be shared back to school via Google Drive so students can view, celebrate and continue refining their creative work.
This program is only available to NSW Department of Education school students.
Timetable
Time |
Activities |
| 9.15 | Arrival |
| 9.30 - 10.15 | Flipping |
| 10.15 - 10.30 | Recess |
| 10.30 - 12.30 | Animation studio |
| 12.30 - 1.00 | Lunch |
| 1.00 - 2.00 | Animation studio |
| 2.15 | Depart |
Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary
Syllabus outcomes and content
Creative Arts K-6 Syllabus (2024) - Stage 2
Visual arts
Outcome
- Makes artworks using art forms to represent subject matter and ideas, and describes ways artists convey ideas about their world to audiences through artworks CA2-VIS-01
Content
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 © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024
Creative Arts K-6 Syllabus (2024) - Stage 3
Visual Arts
Outcomes
- 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 CA3-VIS-01
Content
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
- Demonstrate safe artmaking practices with respect for physical, social, digital and cultural safety
Creative Arts K-6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024
Location
Field of Mars Reserve
Main location – including risk assessment, maps and track overview.
Teachers or parents will need to drop off and pick up students.
Westminster Road alternate entrance
This entrance or exit offers access during severe high tides and heavy rainfall events that cause flooding on the main Pittwater Road entrance.
Learn with us
Book now
Book your HPGE program using our online booking form.
Learning resources
View online lessons that support primary incursion and excursion programs.
Flora and fauna fact sheets
View our curriculum-aligned fact sheets on Australian animals, plants, ecosystems and environments for NSW primary and secondary students, ideal for research, projects and classroom learning.