Local Aboriginal studies excursion
HSIE geography
Program
Students go on a journey to investigate Aboriginal culture and connections to Country. On a rugged bushwalk following the Lane Cove River, students will explore the natural environment that provides food, tools, shelter and other resources. Students will learn about cultural sites and ways to care for Country.
Learning intention
- What is the relationship between Aboriginal Peoples and Country?
- How do Aboriginal Peoples sustainably use the resources of Country?
- What archaeological evidence do shell middens provide of the continuous culture of Aboriginal Peoples?
Activities
Students will walk through the bush and learn to tune in to and connect with their surroundings. They will also identify significant features of the bushland to Aboriginal Peoples.
Through teacher-led and student-directed activities, students will learn about the history of the bushland, how it is cared for and utilised by Aboriginal Peoples.
Activities include identifying shell middens and bush resources, creating mini canoes out of natural materials and making an ochre-like paste out of clay.
Location options
Boronia Park
Start or finish location for 2 classes – including bus maps, risk management advice, track overview
Buffalo Creek Reserve
Start or finish location for 2 classes – including bus maps, risk management advice, track overview
Essential information
| Cost 2025 |
DoE $25 per student – GST free Non-gov school $35 per student – GST free, min charge $750 |
| 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 |
| Welfare |
Rugged bushwalking, not wheelchair accessible. 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 |
| Time | Classes A, B | Classes C, D |
| 9.45 - 10.15 |
Introduction - Boronia Park Toilets and recess |
Introduction - Buffalo Creek Reserve Toilets and recess |
| 10.15 - 1.15 | Bushwalk and activities along the Great North Walk | Bushwalk and activities along the Great North Walk |
| 1.15 - 1.45 | Lunch at a bushland site | Lunch at a bushland site |
| 1.45 - 2.00 | Concluding activity and toilets - Buffalo Creek Reserve | Concluding activity and toilets - Boronia Park |
| 2.00 - 2.15 | Pack up, toilets and depart | Pack up, toilets and depart |
Human Society and its Environment K-6 Syllabus (2024)
Geographical information is used to understand the world
Outcomes
- Describes Aboriginal Peoples’ obligations to Country, Culture and Community HS2-ACH-01
- Explains how people care for Australia’s environments and participate in Australian society, using geographical information HS2-GEO-01
Content
Aboriginal Peoples use and care for the environment sustainably
- Identify and use appropriate terminology when sharing Knowledges about Country
- Describe how Aboriginal Peoples sustainably use the resources of Country
History uses sources to construct narratives of the past
Outcomes
- Describes Aboriginal Peoples’ obligations to Country, Culture and Community HS2-ACH-01
- Explains how people lived in the past, how navigation connected the world, and what life was like in the Sydney Cove penal settlement, using sources as evidence HS2-HIS-01
Content
Aboriginal Peoples have the oldest living continuous Cultures in the world
- Examine NSW sites of archaeological evidence of the oldest living continuous Cultures in the world
Human Society and its Environment 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
