Challenge + excursion | Stage 3 PDHPE

Program activities

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

Orienteering photo rally

In small groups, students use a map to navigate to checkpoints throughout the reserve. They solve location-based challenges, record photographic evidence using an iPad camera and work together to check their answers.

Students practise map reading, group decision-making, role sharing and clear communication as they plan and follow their route.

Trust walk

Students complete a blindfolded bushwalk challenge that relies on listening, trust and calm communication. Working in pairs or small groups, students use touch and sound cues to support one another along the route.

Students reflect on the behaviours that helped their group feel safe, included and confident.

Possums vs owls

Students are divided into possum and owl teams. The possum team uses large sticks to build a protective fort wall representing a drey, while the owl team carries water and uses water squirters to test the shelter.

Teams swap roles, adapt their strategies and practise cooperation, fair play and shared decision-making.

Suggested timetable

Time	Activities
9.45–10.15	Introduction, recess and toilets
10.15–11.25	Challenge 1
11.25–12.25	Challenge 2
12.25–12.55	Lunch and toilets
12.55–2.00	Challenge 3
2.00–2.15	Pack up, toilets and depart

Syllabus outcomes and content

Students will learn to

• apply and evaluate problem-solving and decision-making strategies during team challenges
• demonstrate resilience strategies when responding to difficulties, setbacks and unfamiliar situations
• communicate respectfully and effectively to support leadership, inclusion and collaboration
• evaluate interpersonal skills and group decisions that support their own and others’ wellbeing
• demonstrate fair play and explain how respectful responses to winning, losing and decisions strengthen positive interactions

The excursion directly supports the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K–6 Syllabus (2024) through authentic opportunities to evaluate and apply self-management and interpersonal skills during outdoor group challenges.

Self-management and interpersonal skills

Outcome

• Evaluates and applies self-management and interpersonal skills in a range of contexts – PH3-SMI-01

Content addressed

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

Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary

perseverance, resilience, initiative, collaborate, strategy, decision-making, communication, active listening, cooperation, inclusion, fair play, trust, predator, prey, drey

Cost, class numbers and booking

Cost

DoE $27 per student – GST free

Non-government school $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 6 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.

Book this Stage 3 PDHPE excursion

Risk assessment and accessibility

Field of Mars Reserve risk assessment and location information – main location⁠

The program includes bushwalking on uneven natural tracks and blindfolded activities. 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