The art of wellbeing excursion

Program

An immersive day in nature combining visual art making and personal wellbeing. During a bushwalk through the Field of Mars Reserve students will discover inspiration from nature to create a series of artworks using a variety of media. They will participate in nature connection wellbeing activities inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing.

Learning intention

We are learning to use art forms to represent nature in artworks.
We are learning to enhance our own wellbeing through activities in nature.

Activities

Visual arts

The focus of the bushwalk is to explore different places within the natural environment as inspiration for art making. Students will examine nature closely to encourage awe and wonder and use this as inspiration to experiment with media such as drawing, water colour painting and print making.

Wellbeing in nature - Forest Bathing

There is a growing body of evidence that shows that spending time in nature contributes to our sense of wellbeing. Japanese Forest Bathing is a wellness practice that involves mindfulness in nature as a way of promoting mental wellbeing and reducing stress. Noticing and slowing down helps promote a sense of calm. Students will learn a variety of mindfulness techniques, providing them with practical tools for maintaining their personal wellbeing back in their own school setting.

This program is also available for Stage 2.

Location

Field of Mars Reserve

Main location – including bus maps, risk management advice, track overview

Essential information

Cost and details


Cost 2025	DoE $25 per student – GST free Non-gov school $35 per student – GST free, min charge $750
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 4 classes.
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	Classes A, B	Classes C, D
9.45 - 10.30	Introduction, recess and toilets	Introduction, recess and toilets
10.30 - 12.00	Boardwalk art making and wellbeing activities	Bushwalk wellbeing activities and art making
12.00 - 12.30	Lunch and toilets	Lunch and toilets
12.30 - 2.00	Bushwalk wellbeing activities and art making	Boardwalk art making and wellbeing activities
2.00 - 2.15	Pack up, toilets and depart	Pack up, toilets and depart

Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary

Line, shape, form, colour, texture, space, value, pattern, collage, hapa zome, wellbeing, gratitude, mindfulness, subject matter, technique, nervous system

Syllabus outcomes and content

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-10 syllabus (2024)

Identity, health and wellbeing

Outcomes

Explains how related factors influence identity, health and wellbeing PH2-IHW-01

Decisions and actions promote health and wellbeing

Content

Engage in and propose ways to increase opportunities for outdoor activities and explain the benefits to learning and wellbeing

Creative Arts K-6 Syllabus (2024)

Visual arts

Outcome

Makes artworks using art forms to represent subject matter and ideas, and describes ways artists convey ideas about their world to audiences through artworks CA2-VIS-01

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 © 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 © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024