Wild words excursion | Stage 1 English

Program activities

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

Ranger HQ

Students are introduced to the day’s ranger words using picture cards, objects, gestures and call-and-response games. They practise saying, sorting and using the words in simple descriptive sentences before beginning their bushland investigations.

Wild words

Students explore Field of Mars Reserve as park rangers, stopping at investigation points to observe plants, animals, habitats and evidence of living things. They use new vocabulary to describe what they see and record key words in their Ranger dictionary.

Students learn that the Wallumedegal of the Darug Nation are the Traditional Custodians of this Country. They discuss how Aboriginal Peoples care for Country and how park rangers and visitors can help protect natural environments.

Our park

Working in small groups, students design a mini national park containing habitat features such as food, water and shelter, visitor features such as paths, bins and signs, and ranger rules that protect the environment.

Each group delivers a short spoken ranger report using vocabulary from their Ranger dictionary and simple cause-and-effect explanations.

Suggested timetable

Time
9.45–10.30	Introduction, recess and toilets
10.30–11.00	Ranger HQ
11.00–12.00	Wild words
12.00–12.30	Lunch and toilets
12.30–1.30	Wild words
1.30–2.00	Our park
2.00–2.15	Pack up, toilets and depart

Syllabus outcomes and content

Students will learn to

• understand and use taught Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary
• select subject-specific vocabulary to describe places, habitats and living things
• use vocabulary to express cause and effect
• initiate, listen and respond during partner and group conversations
• organise ideas in a logical sequence
• deliver a short spoken report using taught vocabulary

The excursion directly supports the English K–10 Syllabus (2022) through explicit vocabulary instruction, structured interaction and a spoken presentation.

English K–10 Syllabus (2022)

Oral language and communication

Outcome

• EN1-OLC-01 – Communicates effectively by using interpersonal conventions and language to extend and elaborate ideas for social and learning interactions

Social and learning interactions

Students:

• Initiate, listen and/or respond in partner and group conversations

Understanding and using grammar when interacting: Oral language

Students:

• Organise key ideas in logical sequence

Vocabulary

Outcome

• EN1-VOCAB-01 – Understands and effectively uses Tier 1, taught Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary to extend and elaborate ideas

Learning and using words

Students:

• Use vocabulary to express cause and effect
• Understand and intentionally choose subject-specific vocabulary to enhance precision and for effect

English K-10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2022

Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary

observe, describe, compare, record, explain, communicate, evidence, environment, ranger, care, protect, respect, habitat, shelter, track, leaf litter, visitor, rule, national park, eucalypt

Cost, class numbers and booking

Cost

DoE $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

Recommended maximum 6 classes at Field of Mars Reserve, with up to 30 students per class.

More than 6 classes will require multiple locations. Please contact us to discuss suitable options.

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 Stage 1 English excursion

Risk assessment and accessibility

Field of Mars Reserve risk assessment and location information – main location⁠

Buffalo Creek Reserve risk assessment and location information – alternative location⁠

Some areas at Field of Mars Reserve are wheelchair accessible. Buffalo Creek Reserve is not wheelchair accessible.

The program includes bushwalking on uneven natural tracks.

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