The art of wellbeing excursion | Stage 3 Creative Arts and PDHPE

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 evaluate how slowing down, focusing their attention and spending time outdoors can support calm, emotional regulation, concentration and readiness to learn. They identify practical nature-connection 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 ideas about the natural world using intentional visual arts choices
• apply drawing, watercolour, rubbing, printing and collage materials and processes
• make purposeful choices about colour, line, shape, texture and tone
• evaluate how outdoor activities can support learning and wellbeing
• identify nature-connection strategies that support calm, reflection and emotional regulation

The excursion addresses the following Stage 3 content from the Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K–6 Syllabus (2024).

Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024)

Visual Arts

Outcome

• CA3-VIS-01 – Makes artworks in intentional ways to represent ideas about their world, and explains ways artists are influenced by contexts and how artworks are interpreted by audiences

Content addressed

Making – Artists represent their world in intentional ways through their artmaking practice

• Apply understandings of materials and processes to represent intended ideas in artworks
• Use drawing materials and techniques to create artistic effects to represent subject matter or ideas in intentional ways
• Explore artistic conventions and ways to represent subject matter and ideas in compositions

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

• PH3-IHW-01 – Examines and explains factors that influence identity, health and wellbeing of individuals and groups

Content addressed

Informed decisions and actions influence health and wellbeing

• Engage in outdoor activities and evaluate 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

awe, collage, connection, emotional regulation, experiment, form, frottage, gratitude, line, mindfulness, printmaking, reflect, shape, subject matter, technique, texture, tone, wellbeing

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 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.

Book this Stage 3 Creative Arts and 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. 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