Program overview
Students will be introduced to the techniques of documentary film making. They will create a documentary using iPads showcasing the habitat features of natural areas in Field of Mars Reserve.
Learning intention
- We are learning to create a nature documentary about habitats.
Activities
Workshop
Students will be introduced to the process of documentary making. They will learn production steps, narration, camera techniques and editing.
Mobile filmmaking
Students will work in groups of two to develop scripts based on field observations at various locations. They will use photos and videos, incorporating camera techniques to bring their scripts to life.
Editing
Students will learn how to use iMovie to edit their documentary, including sequencing, adjusting timing, adding titles, captions, sound, voiceovers, and background music.
All completed videos will be returned to your school via Google Drive.
This program is also available for Stage 3 and can operate as an incursion.
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 4 classes. |
Bring |
Sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, reusable name tag. |
View |
|
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 | Cinematography workshop |
| 10.15 - 10.30 | Toilets, crunch and sip or recess |
| 10.30 - 12.30 | Mobile filmmaking |
| 12.30 - 1.00 | Lunch and toilets |
| 1.00 - 2.00 | Post production |
| 2.15 | Depart |
Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary
Syllabus outcomes and content
English K-10 Syllabus (2022)
Creating written texts
Outcomes
- Plans, creates and revises written texts for informative purposes, using text features, sentence-level grammar, punctuation and word-level language for a target audience EN2-CWT-02
Content
Informative purposes
- Create informative written texts that include headings, paragraphs beginning with topic sentences, and may conclude information in a final paragraph
- Create written texts that describe experiences and observations to connect with and inform an audience
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2024)
Physical and living systems depend on energy
Outcomes
- Uses information to investigate the solar system and the effects of energy on living, physical and geological systems ST2-SCI-01
Content
Living things depend on energy and materials to survive
- Describe how the needs of living things are provided by the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere
- Describe the relationship between habitat, ecosystem and environment
- Observe and describe living and non-living things in a habitat
- Describe ways in which plants and animals depend on each other for survival
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.
Science and Technology 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
View social stories that explain what to expect on an incursion or excursion.
Learning resources
View online lessons that support primary incursion and excursion programs.
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.