Stage 2 students taking part in the Challenge + excursion, working together on outdoor team-building activities at Field of Mars Reserve

Challenge + | Stage 2 | PDHPE excursion

Program overview

Students will be involved in a range of outdoor team building challenges aimed at testing their problem solving, map reading and leadership skills.  This action-packed program will stretch and challenge students outside the classroom and is designed to build student bonds and display hidden talents.

Learning intention

Students using a map and iPad camera to complete an orienteering photo rally during the Challenge + excursion
Students building a stick fort to protect possums from a water squirter owl team in the Possums vs owls challenge

Activities

Orienteering photo rally

In groups of four or five students navigate using a map to find challenges. They will complete these challenges using an iPad camera.

Trust walk

Students will go on a blindfolded bushwalk where they will be encouraged to explore, use their senses and support each other.

Possums vs owls

Groups will be split into two teams. The possum team will use large sticks to build a fort wall (possum drey) designed to protect them from a water squirter attack (the owls). The owl team will fill buckets and return to launch their attack. Groups then swap roles.

This program is also available for Stage 3.

Location

Bushland track and open space in Field of Mars Reserve, East Ryde, where Stage 2 Challenge + excursion activities take place

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 your excursion

Social story

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

Activities

9.45 - 10.15 Introduction, recess and toilets
10.15 - 11.20 Challenge 1
11.15 - 12.25 Challenge 2
12.25 - 12:55 Lunch and toilets
12.55 - 2.00 Challenge 3
2.00 - 2.15 Pack up, toilets and depart

Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary

perseverance, resilience, initiative, collaborate, strategy, decision-making, communicate, predator, prey, drey, evasion, teamwork, fair play, obstacle, cooperation

Syllabus outcomes and content

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6 Syllabus (2024)

Self-management and interpersonal skills

Outcome

  • Explains and applies self-management and interpersonal skills in a range of contexts PH2-SMI-01

Content

Interpersonal skills promote positive interactions and collaboration

  • Apply problem-solving and decision-making actions to enhance learning
  • Apply interpersonal skills to enhance positive and respectful interactions
  • Demonstrate respectfully winning, losing and accepting decisions
  • Apply communication and cooperation skills in group activities to promote inclusion

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 button linking to Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre Stage 2 Challenge + excursion bookings

Book now

Book your primary excursion using our online booking form.

Social stories tile helping Stage 2 students understand what will happen on the Challenge + excursion

Social stories

View social stories that explain what to expect on an incursion or excursion.

Learning resources tile linking to classroom materials that support teamwork, resilience and outdoor learning for Challenge +

Learning resources

View online lessons that support primary incursion and excursion programs.

Flora and fauna fact sheets tile for native plants, animals and environments that can be explored during the Challenge + excursion

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.