Teacher introducing documentary filmmaking techniques such as narration, camera angles and framing to Stage 2 students

Documentary in a day | Stage 2 English excursion

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

Stage 2 students using iPads to film a nature documentary during the Documentary in a day excursion at Field of Mars Reserve
Students working in pairs to film habitat features and wildlife on a bush track using iPads for their nature documentary

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

Bushland and walking track in Field of Mars Reserve, East Ryde, where the Documentary in a day excursion takes 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 4 classes.

Bring

Sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, reusable name tag.

View

Preparing for your excursion

Nature documentary learning resource

Documentary in a day 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 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

plan, collaborate, communicate, sequence, review, revise, justify, documentary, storyboard, cinematography, voiceover, caption, footage, timeline, editing

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 button linking to Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre Stage 2 excursions

Book now

Book your primary excursion using our online booking form.

Documentary in a day social story tile preparing students for planning, filming and editing a short documentary

Social stories

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

Nature documentary learning resource tile linking to preparation and follow-up activities for the Documentary in a day excursion

Learning resources

View online lessons that support primary incursion and excursion programs.

Flora and fauna fact sheets tile for native plants, animals and habitats that can be featured in students’ nature documentaries

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.