Poetic adventures | Stage 2 | English excursion | Field of Mars EEC
Program overview
Poetic adventures is a Stage 2 English excursion where students collaborate to create a digital poetry product inspired by Field of Mars Reserve. Equipped with an iPad, students move through outdoor locations composing a five-senses poem from the perspective of a miniature character, building descriptive vocabulary and photographing images to match each line; they then publish their illustrated poem in iMovie with narration, titles, sequencing and a soundtrack.
Learning intention
- We are learning to compose an illustrated poem from the perspective of a miniature character.
Activities
Poetic adventure
Working in pairs, students collect their poetry toolkit and iPad and learn how to manage equipment and work efficiently in the field. Students are introduced to the planning template and the step-by-step workflow for writing, photographing and producing their final piece.
Students tune in to the bushland at Field of Mars Reserve through a guided sensory sit spot that focuses on sight, sound, touch and smell. Students build a bank of vivid adjectives and descriptive language to capture the natural features of Field of Mars Reserve.
Students compose lines of poetry from the perspective of a miniature character using a five senses structure and selected poetic devices. Students draft, refine and self-assess their work to ensure each line communicates a clear viewpoint and strong imagery.
Students learn how to take high-quality macro photographs that communicate small-scale perspective by positioning the camera at minifigure eye level. Students apply visual literacy strategies such as framing, focus and shot choices to create images that complement their poetry.
iMovie studio
Back in the classroom, students sequence images, record narration and add titles and audio to create a cohesive digital poem. Students finalise credits, export their work and share their completed multimodal poem with peers for reflection.
Completed products will be sent back to your school via Google Drive.
This program is also available for Stage 3 and can operate as an incursion.
Location
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 4 classes with up to 30 students per class. |
Activities |
Activities may change to suit student needs, the selected site and weather conditions. |
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 |
Suggested timetable
Time |
Activities |
| 9.45 - 10.30 |
Introduction Toilets, crunch and sip or recess |
| 10.30 - 12.45 |
Poetic adventures - location scouting - poem development - macro photography |
| 12.45 - 12.15 | Lunch and toilets |
| 1.15 - 2.00 | iMovie studio - visuals and audio |
| 2.00 - 2.15 | Pack up, toilets and depart |
Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary
Syllabus outcomes and content
English K-10 Syllabus (2022)
Vocabulary
Outcome
- Builds knowledge and use of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary through interacting, wide reading and writing, and by defining and analysing words EN2-VOCAB-01
Content
Learning and using words
- Build personal Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary through social and learning interactions, reading and writing
Creating written texts
Outcome
- Plans, creates and revises written texts for imaginative purposes, using text features, sentence-level grammar, punctuation and word-level language for a target audience EN2-CWT-01
Content
Imaginative purposes
- Experiment with different poetic forms using stanzas
- Experiment with poetry to include innovative use of punctuation to suit purpose and for effect
Text features for multiple purposes
- Select and use multimodal features to add meaning
English textual concept
Perspective
Students understand that perspectives may differ and that these differences need to be considered
They learn that:
- perspective may be expressed in different ways including the values expressed and the form of expression
Other syllabus links
Learning experiences will also support but not explicitly teach the following outcomes and content:
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2024)
Living things depend on energy and materials to survive
Human Society and its Environment K-6 Syllabus (2024)
People have responsibility to care for Australia's environments
English K–6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2022
English textual concepts © NSW Department of Education, 2016
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
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
Book your primary excursion using our online booking form.
Social stories
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