Local Aboriginal studies excursion | Stage 2 HSIE Geography | Field of Mars EEC
Program overview
Local Aboriginal studies is a Stage 2 HSIE excursion supporting Geography and History, where students investigate Aboriginal Peoples’ continuing connections to Country during an on-Country bushwalk along the Lane Cove River between Boronia Park and Buffalo Creek Reserve.
Students explore how plants, waterways and natural materials have provided food, medicine, fibre, tools and shelter; investigate significant places and shell midden evidence; model traditional technologies; and consider sustainable resource use, respectful behaviour and responsibilities for caring for Country.
Learning intentions
- We are learning about Aboriginal Peoples’ continuing connections and obligations to Country.
- We are learning how Aboriginal Peoples use the resources of Country sustainably.
- We are learning how significant sites and archaeological evidence help us understand continuing culture.
Jump to: Program and curriculum | Essential information | Plan and prepare | Location | Related excursions
Program and curriculum information
Program activities
Activities may change to suit student needs, timing, walking conditions and weather.
Connecting to Country
Students begin with an Acknowledgement of Country and identify the Traditional Custodians of the excursion location. They use their senses to notice the biodiversity and natural features of the bushland, collect loose materials from the ground and share observations using vocabulary connected to Country, Place and continuing culture.
Bush resources
During the bushwalk, students investigate selected plants and natural features. Through guided questioning and a plant-resource identification activity, they learn how Country has provided food, medicine, fibre, tools, utensils, fire, shelter and protection.
Students consider how resources can be used sustainably and why knowledge about plants and their uses is connected to particular people and places.
Waterways
At the Lane Cove River, students investigate how waterways have supported travel, food gathering and daily life. Using shells and images, they examine how shell fishhooks could be shaped and discuss sustainable fishing practices connected to Water Country.
Students may build a miniature nawi or canoe from fallen natural materials and test whether it floats when water and tidal conditions allow.
Traditional tools and technologies
Students rotate through practical stations that model the skill, knowledge and perseverance required to make tools from natural materials. They explore processes such as spear shaping, axe grinding and cord making.
Students consider how different tools and technologies supported hunting, fishing, food preparation, shelter and other aspects of daily life.
Evidence and caring for Country
Students visit significant places and investigate shell midden evidence as a historical source. They discuss what archaeological evidence can show about Aboriginal Peoples’ long and continuing connections to Country and learn how to behave respectfully around cultural sites.
Students may use clay or ochre to create an original mark or symbol representing something they noticed or learned about Place. They conclude by reflecting on their journey and identifying ways people can respect and care for Country.
Suggested timetable
Time |
Classes A, B |
Classes C, D |
| 9.45–10.15 | Introduction, toilets and recess – Boronia Park | Introduction, toilets and recess – Buffalo Creek Reserve |
| 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 |
Syllabus outcomes and content
Students will learn to
- use appropriate terminology when discussing Country, Culture and Community
- describe Aboriginal Peoples’ continuing connections and obligations to Country
- explain how Aboriginal Peoples sustainably use the resources of Country
- examine significant places and archaeological evidence as historical sources
- describe respectful ways to visit cultural sites and care for Country
The excursion directly supports the Human Society and its Environment K–6 Syllabus (2024) through geographical inquiry, historical source investigation and on-Country learning in local bushland and waterway environments.
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 addressed
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 addressed
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
Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary
Essential information
Cost, class numbers and booking
Cost
DoE cost $27 per student – GST free
Non-government school cost $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 4 classes per location, with up to 30 students per class. Bookings for more than 4 classes may 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.
Risk assessment and accessibility
Boronia Park risk assessment and location information – main location
Buffalo Creek Reserve risk assessment and location information – main location
Blackman Park risk assessment and location information – alternative location
The main one-way walking route between Boronia Park and Buffalo Creek Reserve is not wheelchair accessible. Some program areas at the alternative Blackman Park location may be wheelchair accessible.
The program includes rugged bushwalking.
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.
What students should bring
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
Plan and prepare for your visit
Local Aboriginal studies social story
Help Year 3 and 4 students understand what to expect during the excursion, including travelling between two locations, walking on bush tracks, learning beside the Lane Cove River and exploring Aboriginal uses of natural materials.
Preparing for your excursion
Find information about what students should wear and bring, transport, arrival procedures, safety and preparing classes for active outdoor learning.
Location options
Start and finish locations
This excursion involves a one-way walk between Buffalo Creek Reserve and Boronia Park. Walking routes are dependent on the number of classes in attendance. Please contact the centre for planning assistance.
| 2 classes | 2 classes |
| Start – Boronia Park | Start – Buffalo Creek Reserve |
| Finish – Buffalo Creek Reserve | Finish – Boronia Park |
Boronia Park
Main location
Main start or finish location for 2 classes
Find risk assessment information, risk management advice, bus access details and walking track information for Boronia Park.
Buffalo Creek Reserve
Main location
Main start or finish location for 2 classes
Find risk assessment information, risk management advice, bus access details and walking track information for Buffalo Creek Reserve.
Blackman Park
Alternative location
Find risk assessment information, risk management advice, bus access details and walking track information for Blackman Park.
Extend student learning
Use these student-friendly fact sheets before or after the Local Aboriginal studies excursion to support learning about Country, bush resources, waterways, habitats and sustainable care for places.
- Eucalypt forest ecosystems fact sheet – Explore the connected plants, animals, habitats and natural features of the bushland students visit.
- Grass tree fact sheet – Learn about a long-lived native plant with nectar, resin, flower spikes and cultural significance.
- Old man banksia fact sheet – Discover a local banksia that provides nectar, seeds, shelter and connections to bushland learning.
- Grey mangrove fact sheet – Explore a salt-tolerant tree connected to tidal places and habitats for fish, crabs and other animals.
- River and creek environments fact sheet – Investigate waterways, creek banks and the living and non-living features of water Country.
- Habitat fact sheet – Learn how different places provide living things with food, water, shelter and space.
Learn with us
Book this excursion
Book this Stage 2 HSIE Geography excursion using our online booking form.
Picture books learning resource
Explore nature-themed and Aboriginal picture books with activity ideas supporting vocabulary, place, Country, language and sustainability learning.
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