Stage 2 and 3 high potential and gifted students using iPads to photograph nature during the Wild shots HPGE enrichment program at Field of Mars Reserve

Wild shots HPGE enrichment program | Stage 2 and 3 Creative arts

Program overview

Wild Shots is a HPGE enrichment program where students learn key photography techniques, explore the bush to capture unique images with iPads, then edit and curate their own portfolio. Blending technology, creativity and outdoor learning, this program engages students in seeing nature from new perspectives while developing digital and artistic skills. Students will select one photo to be printed and framed.

Learning intentions

Group of students exploring bushland tracks, composing photos of trees, textures and landscapes using photography techniques like rule of thirds and leading lines
Student taking a close-up macro photograph of plants and invertebrates along the Field of Mars EEC boardwalk, focusing on tiny details in nature

Activities

Composition

Students will learn the art of photography without using a camera. They will explore composition and the rules of photography, including the rule of thirds, framing and leading lines. Students will deconstruct and practice composition using frames and a range of printed images. They will repeat the process using natural areas close to the centre.

Wild shots

Students will explore nature from a variety of perspectives, learning to observe life in the Field of Mars Reserve.

Equipped with iPads, they will be introduced to some of the centre’s animals. Student will focus on capturing amazing shots of animals while practicing key composition techniques.

Students will set off on a photographic trail through the Field of Mars Reserve, documenting the unique flora, fauna and landscapes. They will take photographs for specific purposes, demonstrating the principles of photography from composition and focus to lighting and perspective.

Editor

In the centre classroom, students will develop their creativity and digital skills by editing their images and curating a personal portfolio of their best work. They will learn how to use a variety of editing tools and the effects these have on their original photographs.

Students will create a photography book using their best images. The book will be printed and a PDF version will be returned to school via Google drive.

Student's will also select their best photograph to be printed on photo paper at Field of Mars EEC. Printed images will be framed and returned to school at a later date.

Slide show

Selected photos will be presented via a slide show. Parents are welcome to view the slideshow.

This program is only available to NSW Department of Education schools

Location

Boardwalk and bushland setting in Field of Mars Reserve, main location for the Wild shots HPGE enrichment program

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 entrance to Field of Mars Reserve, alternate access point used during severe high tides or heavy rainfall when the main entrance is flooded

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.

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

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

Maximum 8 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

Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0

Suggested timetable

Time

Activities

9.15 Arrival
9.30 - 10.15 Composition
10.15 - 10.30 Recess
10.30 - 12.30 Wild shots
12.30 - 1.00 Lunch
1.00 - 2.00 Editor
2.00 - 2.15 Slide show
2.15 Depart

Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary

observe, detail, perspective, select, refine, curate, portfolio, photography, composition, framing, rule of thirds, leading lines, macro, focus, lighting

Syllabus outcomes and content

Syllabus outcomes and content Stage 2

Creative Arts K-6 Syllabus (2024)

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
  • use drawing materials and techniques to create effects with texture and tone to represent subject matter and ideas
  • explore balance, scale and proportion in compositions to represent subject matter and ideas
  • demonstrate safe art making practices with respect for physical, social and digital saftey

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

Syllabus outcomes and content Stage 3

Creative Arts K-6 Syllabus (2024)

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

  • Represent ideas or perspectives of their world and intentions in own artmaking practice
  • Use drawing materials and techniques to create artistic effects to represent subject matter or ideas in intentional ways
  • Create intentional effects with awareness of the relationships between colours and tones, to represent subject matter or ideas in realistic, imaginative or symbolic ways
  • Use painting materials, techniques and processes to explore ways to apply paint in combination with mixed media materials
  • 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

Book now button linking to Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre Wild shots HPGE enrichment program bookings

Book now

Book your HPGE program using our online booking form.

Learning resources tile linking to digital materials that support Wild shots photography activities and extension tasks

Learning resources

View online lessons that support primary incursion and excursion programs.

Flora and fauna fact sheets tile for native plants, animals and habitats in Field of Mars Reserve that can be photographed during Wild shots

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.