Natural leader | Stage 3 | PDHPE excursion | Field of Mars EEC
Program overview
Natural Leader is a Stage 3 PDHPE excursion designed specifically for K–6 SRC groups and other student leadership cohorts, focusing on leadership, cooperation and respect across mixed-age teams. Through a sequence of challenge-based activities—such as a team challenge bushwalk with trust and communication tasks, a simulated water-crossing problem-solving challenge, and traditional Aboriginal games—students practise encouraging others, negotiating roles and responsibilities, and building connectedness and purpose.
Learning intentions
- We are learning to work positively in groups and teams.
- We are learning to encourage others.
- We are learning to negotiate roles and responsibilities.
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
For smaller cohorts of students we can join your school with another small group. Multiple schools will be working together on the same day.
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 |
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 |
Groups A, B, C |
| 9.45 - 10.00 | Introduction, recess and toilets |
| 10.00 - 11.00 | Challenge 1 |
| 11.00 - 12.00 | Challenge 2 |
| 12.00 - 12.30 | Lunch and toilets |
| 12.30 - 1:30 | 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 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
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.