Bush magic excursion | Early Stage 1 PDHPE

Program activities

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

Bushwalk and magic leaf wand

Students follow a story-based bushwalk through Field of Mars Reserve, moving safely along natural tracks and using their senses to search for animals, habitats and features connected to Possum Magic. Each student creates a magic leaf wand using natural materials.

Build Hush’s home

Students work in teams to build an imaginative story setting for Hush and Grandma Poss using loose natural materials. They share ideas, solve problems and cooperate to create shelter. Students compare their imaginative structure with real possum shelters, including ringtail possum dreys and tree hollows used by brushtail possums.

Where’s Hush?

Students take turns as Hush or as blindfolded Australian animals in a sensory movement game. They listen, move carefully and follow agreed rules while trying to reach Grandma Poss without being tagged. Students practise fair play by waiting for their turn and responding respectfully to others.

Across Australia obstacle course

Students work with a partner to travel through an obstacle course representing places from the story. They follow instructions and use equipment safely as they balance, climb, crawl and collect tokens representing the foods Hush and Grandma Poss eat.

Bush magic play

Students use mud kitchen equipment, natural materials and imaginative play to create their own bush magic in the nature play space. They share equipment, take turns and cooperate with others as they develop and act out their ideas.

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes A, B and C	Classes D, E and F
9.45–10.30	ntroduction, Possum Magic story, crunch and sip, and toilets	ntroduction, Possum Magic story, crunch and sip, and toilets
10.30–11.30	Bushwalk and build Hush’s home	Across Australia obstacle course and Where’s Hush? blindfold game
11.30–11.50	Recess and toilets	Recess and toilets
11.50–12.50	Across Australia obstacle course and Where’s Hush? blindfold game	Bushwalk and build Hush’s home
12.50–1.20	Lunch and toilets	Lunch and toilets
1.20–2.00	Bush magic play	Bush magic play
2.00–2.15	Pack up, toilets and depart	Pack up, toilets and depart

Syllabus outcomes and content

Students will learn to

• participate with others in physical activities and follow agreed rules
• move safely through physical challenges using balance, coordination and spatial awareness
• use respectful communication and cooperation during group activities

The excursion directly supports the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K–6 Syllabus (2024) through movement, cooperative games and authentic outdoor group activities.

Movement skill and physical activity

Outcome

• PHE-MSP-01 – demonstrates fundamental movement skills and participates with others in physical activities

Content addressed

• Participate with others during physical activities
• Demonstrate spatial awareness during physical activities
• Participate in games with peers that incorporate fundamental movement skills
• Demonstrate fair play, safe use of equipment and rule following
• Participate in physical activities which provide enjoyment and motivation to be physically active

Self-management and interpersonal skills

Outcome

• PHE-SMI-01 – identifies and demonstrates self-management and interpersonal skills

Content addressed

Interpersonal skills support positive interactions

• Use interpersonal skills to cooperate with others

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education 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

Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary

cooperate, communicate, challenge, wellbeing, confidence, teamwork, respect, bushwalk, habitat, drey, obstacle course, blindfold, predator, prey, coordination

Cost, class numbers and booking

Cost

DoE school $27 per student – GST free

Non-government school $37 per student – GST free, minimum charge $750 per class

Term 1 non-government weeks 3 to 5 – DoE cost, GST free, minimum charge $750

Classes

Maximum 6 classes, with up to 30 students per class.

Program costs

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

Booking policy

Confirm final student numbers and classes 7 working school days before the program.

Book this Early Stage 1 PDHPE excursion

Risk assessment and accessibility

Field of Mars Reserve risk assessment – main location

The program includes bushwalking on uneven natural tracks. Some program areas at Field of Mars Reserve may be wheelchair accessible.

Students who are unwell should not attend.

Classroom teachers are expected to attend and actively supervise students throughout the excursion.

Notify Field of Mars EEC before the visit about medical, mobility, sensory, communication or other support needs so reasonable adjustments can be considered.

View location information

What students should bring

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

Weather, cancellations and rescheduling

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

Cancellation or rescheduling with less than 30 school days’ notice before the booking date – $650

Cancellation with less than 14 school days’ notice before the booking date – full program cost

Cancellation due to unsafe weather or fire danger – $0