Natural leader excursion | Stage 2 PDHPE

Program activities

Activities may change to suit student needs, timing and weather conditions.

Team challenge bushwalk

Students begin with a rope maze and small-group challenges before following a bush track through Field of Mars Reserve. Paired trust activities, including guided blindfold tasks, require students to listen carefully, communicate clearly and support one another.

Students reflect on how a positive mindset, persistence and encouragement help groups respond when a challenge is difficult.

Simulated water crossing

Teams plan and test strategies to move their group and equipment across a simulated waterway. Students practise constructive interaction, self-regulation, decision-making and flexible role allocation. The activity uses a small amount of water and some students may get wet.

Traditional Aboriginal games

Students learn about the Bundjalung Nation and participate in traditional Aboriginal games that develop coordination, communication and teamwork. Challenges increase in complexity and conclude with a whole-group activity requiring cooperation and shared strategy.

Suggested timetable

Time	Groups A, B and C
9.45–10.30	Introduction, recess and toilets
10.30–11.30	Challenge one
11.30–12.30	Challenge two
12.30–1.00	Lunch and toilets
1.00–2.00	Challenge three
2.00–2.15	Pack up, toilets and depart

Syllabus outcomes and content

Students will learn to

• apply problem-solving and decision-making actions during group challenges
• use communication and cooperation skills to promote inclusion
• contribute to respectful and positive interactions
• explain how a positive mindset supports resilience and wellbeing
• negotiate roles, encourage others and contribute to shared strategies

The excursion directly supports the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K–6 Syllabus (2024) through authentic outdoor challenges requiring leadership, cooperation, problem-solving and reflection.

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

Self-management and interpersonal skills

Outcome

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

Content addressed

Self-management skills are enhanced by choices and actions

• Apply problem-solving and decision-making actions to enhance learning
• Explain how a positive mindset contributes to resilience and wellbeing using Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary

Interpersonal skills promote positive interactions and collaboration

• Apply interpersonal skills to enhance positive and respectful interactions
• Apply communication and cooperation skills in group activities to promote inclusion

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

leadership, perseverance, resilience, initiative, collaborate, communication, active listening, wellbeing, inclusion, responsibility, negotiation, delegation, self-regulation, strategy, decision-making

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

Maximum 90 students, organised into up to 3 groups of 30 students.

Smaller student leadership cohorts may share the program day with another school. Schools will be notified in advance.

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.

Book this Stage 2 PDHPE excursion

Risk assessment and accessibility

Field of Mars Reserve risk assessment – main location⁠

The program includes bushwalking on uneven natural tracks. Some program areas at Field of Mars Reserve may be wheelchair accessible.

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.

View location information

What students should bring

School sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunscreen, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes and a reusable name tag.

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