Stage 2 student leaders working together on outdoor leadership and teamwork challenges during the Natural leader excursion at Field of Mars Reserve

Natural leader | Stage 2 PDHPE excursion

Program overview

Natural Leader is a leadership and teamwork style excursion that is specifically designed for K-6 Student Representative Council (SRC) groups and other student leadership bodies within the school.

The program utilises activities that require leadership, cooperation, teamwork and the building of respect amongst students of all ages (K-6). Students work through a number of challenge activities aimed at developing achievement and success, positive relationships and connectedness and a sense of meaning and purpose.

Learning intention

Students playing traditional Aboriginal games that build teamwork, coordination and respect for others
Team of students planning a strategy to complete a simulated water crossing challenge without getting wet

Activities

Team challenge bushwalk

Students will pass through a maze of ropes before joining a small team. The teams will then participate in a series of small challenges before embarking on a bushwalk. At the height of the walk, students will work in pairs and undergo blindfolded activities focused on trust and communication.

Simulated water crossing

Teams will participate in a range of challenges that require constructive peer interactions, self regulation and choice on how to best operate as an individual and team member. These activities will involve a small amount of water and some students may get wet.

Traditional Aboriginal games

Students will learn about the Bundjalung Nation and some traditional Aboriginal games. Teams will undergo an initial challenge to set a required base level of skill for the following challenges that progressively increase in complexity which culminate in an entire group challenge.

Please note

Natural leader is available year round if you have more than 30 leadership students.

For smaller cohorts of students, the program is available on specific dates.  Multiple schools will be working together on the same day.

This program is also available for Stage 3.

Location

Bushland setting and walking track in Field of Mars Reserve, East Ryde, where the Natural leader 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

Maximum 90 students.

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, 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

Group A, B, C

9.45 - 10.00 Introduction, recess and toilets
10.00 - 11.00 Challenge one
11.00 - 12.00 Challenge two
12.00 - 12.30 Lunch and toilets
12.30 - 1:30 Challenge three
2.00 - 2.15 Pack up, toilets and depart

Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary

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

Syllabus outcomes and content

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

Self-management and interpersonal skills

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

Content

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
  • Demonstrate respectfully winning, losing and accepting decisions
  • Apply communication and cooperation skills in group activities to promote inclusion

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education 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 Natural leader excursion bookings

Book now

Book your primary excursion using our online booking form.

Social stories tile helping Stage 2 student leaders understand what will happen on the Natural leader excursion

Social stories

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

Learning resources tile linking to classroom materials that support leadership, teamwork and wellbeing before or after the excursion

Learning resources

View online lessons that support primary incursion and excursion programs.

Flora and fauna fact sheets tile for native plants, animals and environments that can be explored during the Natural leader excursion

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.