The art of wellbeing excursion | Stage 2 Creative Arts and PDHPE
Program overview
The art of wellbeing is a Stage 2 Creative Arts and PDHPE excursion where students use nature-based artmaking and outdoor wellbeing activities to explore the connection between creativity, emotions and the natural environment.
During a bushwalk through Field of Mars Reserve, students slow down, observe with their senses and practise simple mindfulness and gratitude strategies. They investigate natural colours, shapes, patterns and textures, then use drawing, watercolour, rubbing, printing and collage techniques to create artworks inspired by bushland.
This program is also available for Stage 3.
Learning intentions
- We are learning to use visual arts techniques to represent nature in artworks.
- We are learning to use activities in nature to support our wellbeing.
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 and weather conditions.
Wellbeing in nature
Students participate in guided nature-connection activities inspired by the Japanese practice of forest bathing. Through a sit spot, guided listening and close observation with mini magnifiers, they notice natural and human-made sounds, small details and features that create a sense of awe and wonder.
Students reflect on how slowing down, focusing their attention and spending time outdoors can support calm, emotional regulation and personal wellbeing. They develop practical strategies that can be used at school or in other outdoor settings.
Nature-inspired artmaking
Students investigate the colours, lines, shapes, patterns and textures found throughout the reserve. They experiment with techniques such as sandstone pigment rubs, frottage, realistic leaf watercolour studies and plant printing.
Students may also create ephemeral nature mandalas or collages using carefully selected natural materials. The day concludes with a gratitude reflection, where students record something in nature they appreciate as a practical wellbeing strategy.
Suggested timetable
Time |
Classes A, B |
Classes C, D |
| 9.45–10.30 | Introduction, recess and toilets | Introduction, recess and toilets |
| 10.30–12.00 | Boardwalk artmaking and wellbeing activities | Bushwalk wellbeing activities and artmaking |
| 12.00–12.30 | Lunch and toilets | Lunch and toilets |
| 12.30–2.00 | Bushwalk wellbeing activities and artmaking | Boardwalk artmaking and wellbeing activities |
| 2.00–2.15 | Pack up, toilets and depart | Pack up, toilets and depart |
Syllabus outcomes and content
Students will learn to
- represent natural subject matter and ideas using visual art forms
- experiment with drawing, watercolour, rubbing, printing and collage techniques
- make purposeful choices about colour, line, shape, texture and tone
- explain how outdoor activities can support learning and wellbeing
- practise nature-connection strategies that support calm, reflection and emotional regulation
The excursion directly supports the Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K–6 Syllabus (2024) through nature-based artmaking, outdoor activity and practical wellbeing strategies.
Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024)
Visual Arts
Outcome
- CA2-VIS-01 – Makes artworks using art forms to represent subject matter and ideas, and describes ways artists convey ideas about their world to audiences through artworks.
Content addressed
Making – Artists represent their world through subject matter and ideas in artworks
- Represent subject matter and ideas in artworks, making choices based on own interpretations of the world
- Use drawing materials and techniques to create effects with texture and tone to represent subject matter and ideas
Creative Arts 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
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K–6 Syllabus (2024)
Identity, health and wellbeing
Outcome
- PH2-IHW-01 – Explains how related factors influence identity, health and wellbeing
Content addressed
Decisions and actions promote health and wellbeing
- Engage in and propose ways to increase opportunities for outdoor activities and explain the benefits to learning and wellbeing
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
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, with up to 30 students per class.
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
Field of Mars Reserve risk assessment and location information – 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.
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
The art of wellbeing social story
Help Year 3 and 4 students understand where they will go and how they will participate in bushwalking, nature-connection and artmaking activities.
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
Field of Mars Reserve
Main location
Find risk assessment information, risk management advice, bus access details and walking track information for Field of Mars Reserve.
Extend student learning
Use these student-friendly fact sheets before or after The art of wellbeing excursion to support nature connection, close observation, artmaking and outdoor wellbeing activities.
- Field of Mars Reserve environment fact sheet – Explore the bushland environment where students practise mindfulness, observation and nature-inspired artmaking.
- Eucalypt forest ecosystems fact sheet – Learn about gum-tree forests with trees, shrubs, leaf litter, animals and connected food webs.
- Habitat fact sheet – Learn how food, water, shelter and space help living things survive.
- Tree habitat fact sheet – Discover bark, branches, flowers and other tree features with colours, shapes, patterns and textures.
- Leaf litter habitat fact sheet – Explore fallen leaves, bark and twigs that provide texture-rich habitats for small animals.
- Plant fact sheets – Explore native plants that can inspire colour, texture, shape and pattern in artworks.
Learn with us
Book this excursion
Book this Stage 2 Creative Arts and PDHPE excursion using our online booking form.
Learning resources
Explore digital activities, social stories and classroom resources that support creative arts, nature observation, outdoor learning and student wellbeing.
Related Stage 2 excursions
Poetic adventures excursion
Collect sensory details and images on a bushwalk, then create poetry and short multimodal texts.
Digital woodlands excursion
Use iPads to photograph natural features, apply composition techniques and create a collaborative digital photo book.