Bush magic | Stage 1 PDHPE excursion
Program overview
Students will step into the world of Possum Magic as they explore the Australian bush through the eyes of Hush and Grandma Poss. Through imaginative play and hands‑on activities they will work together in engaging physical activities and experience the bushland places that inspired Mem Fox’s much‑loved story.
Learning intention
- We are learning to participate positively in groups and teams.
Activities
Bushwalk
Students will use their senses to explore the Field of Mars Reserve, search for animals from the story and their habitats and create their own magic leaf wand.
Build Hush's home
Students will work in teams to create Hush and Grandma Poss's home using loose natural materials in our nature play space.
Where's Hush? blindfold game
Students will participate in a sensory game where they will take on the role of Hush, sneaking past blindfolded students acting as Australian animals to reach Grandma Poss without being tagged. If all the Hushes make it through they win and other students will get a turn.
Across Australia obstacle course
Students will work in pairs to make their way through an obstacle course that represents parts of Australia found in the story where they have to collect tokens that represent the food eaten by Hush and Grandma Poss.
Bush magic play
After lunch students will have the chance to play in our gardens and create their own bush magic using mud kitchen supplies.
This program is also available for Early Stage 1.
Location
Field of Mars Reserve
Main location – including risk assessment and risk management advice, bus map and track overview.
Essential information
Cost and details
Cost 2026 |
DoE $27 per student – GST free Non-gov $37 per student – GST free, min charge $750 per class Term 1 – Non-gov weeks 3 to 6 cost = DoE cost – GST free, min charge $750 |
Classes |
Recommended maximum 6 classes. |
Bring |
Sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, reusable name tag. |
View |
Preparing for an excursion |
Welfare |
Rugged bushwalking, limited wheelchair accessibility. 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 numbers and classes 7 days in advance. |
Cancellation fee |
Less than 30 working school days – $600 Less than 7 working school days notice – full cost Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0 |
Suggested timetable
Time |
Classes A, B, C |
Classes D, E, F |
| 9.45 - 10.20 | Introduction and Possum magic story Crunch and sip and toilets |
Introduction and Possum magic story Crunch and sip and toilets |
| 10.20 - 11.20 |
Build Hush's home Bushwalk |
Where's Hush? blindfold game Across Australia obstacle course |
| 11.20 - 11.50 | Recess and toilets | Recess and toilets |
| 11.50 - 12.50 |
Where's Hush? blindfold game Across Australia obstacle course |
Build Hush's home Bushwalk |
| 12.50 - 1.20 | Lunch and toilets | Lunch and toilets |
| 1.20 - 1.50 | Bush magic play | Bush magic play |
| 1.50 - 2.00 | Pack up, toilets and depart | Pack up, toilets and depart |
Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary
Syllabus outcomes and content
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6 Syllabus (2024)
Self-management and interpersonal skills
Outcomes
- describes and demonstrates self-management and interpersonal skills in a range of contexts PH1-SMI-01
Content
Interpersonal skills support positive interactions and cooperation
- Demonstrate interpersonal skills that contribute to positive and respectful interactions
- Demonstrate ways to respectfully win and lose in different contexts
- Demonstrate communication skills in group activities to support cooperation
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
Book now
Book your primary excursion using our online booking form.
Social stories
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Learning resources
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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.