Challenge + | Stage 3 | PDHPE excursion | Field of Mars EEC
Program overview
Challenge + is a Stage 3 PDHPE excursion where students build teamwork, leadership and problem-solving through energetic outdoor challenges in Field of Mars Reserve. Students navigate an orienteering photo rally using maps and an iPad camera, complete a trust-focused blindfolded bushwalk, and collaborate in team games designed to strengthen communication, resilience and positive participation in groups.
Learning intention
- We are learning to participate positively in teams to complete challenges.
Activities
Teamwork briefing and challenge mindset
Students set goals for effective group work and identify the behaviours that help teams succeed in outdoor challenges. Throughout the day, students practise positive communication, encouragement and role sharing to support inclusion.
Orienteering photo rally
In small groups, students use a map to navigate to a series of checkpoints and solve location-based challenges. Students record evidence using an iPad camera before returning to check answers as a team.
Trust walk
Students complete a blindfolded bushwalk challenge that relies on listening, calm communication and teamwork. Using touch and sound cues, students support one another to move safely along the route and reflect on trust-building behaviours.
Possums vs owls
Groups will be split into two teams. The possum team will use large sticks to build a fort wall (possum drey) designed to protect them from a water squirter attack (the owls). The owl team will fill buckets and return to launch their attack. Groups then swap roles.
This program is also available for Stage 2.
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 |
Recommended maximum 6 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 |
|
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 |
Activities |
| 9.45 - 10.15 | Introduction, recess and toilets |
| 10.15 - 11.20 | Challenge 1 |
| 11.20 - 12.25 | Challenge 2 |
| 12.25 - 12.55 | Lunch and toilets |
| 12.55 - 2.00 | Challenge 3 |
| 2.00 - 2.15 | Pack up, toilets and depart |
Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary
Syllabus outcomes and content
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6 (2024)
Self-management and interpersonal skills
Outcomes
- Evaluates and applies self-management and interpersonal skills in a range of contexts PH3-SMI-01
Content
Self-management skills are supported by informed decisions
- Apply problem-solving and decision-making actions across contexts
- Explain and demonstrate when resilience strategies can be applied across a range of contexts
Interpersonal skills enhance positive interactions and effective communication
- Apply and evaluate interpersonal skills to make decisions that support the wellbeing of themselves and others
- Apply and explain how respectfully winning, losing and accepting decisions can enhance positive interactions
- Describe and demonstrate respectful and effective communication to promote leadership, inclusion and collaboration
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
Book your primary excursion using our online booking form.
Social stories
View social stories that explain what to expect on an incursion or excursion.
Learning resources
View online lessons that support primary incursion and excursion programs.
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.