Teacher demonstrating digital photography skills such as the rule of thirds, composition and macro photography to Stage 2 students

Digital woodlands | Stage 2 Creative arts incursion

Program overview

Students will be introduced to the techniques and methods of digital photography. They will create a showcase portfolio of photographs of the natural areas in and near your school.

Learning intention

Students working in pairs to select subjects, compose and frame creative photos of plants, textures and patterns around the school
Stage 2 students using iPads to photograph natural areas in their school grounds during the Digital woodlands incursion

Activities

Introduction

Students will learn digital photography skills, techniques, and methodologies, including iPad photography, the rule of thirds, composition, and macro photography.

Field photography

Students will work collaboratively to select photo subjects, compose and frame engaging photos, and identify creative ways to express perspectives though their photographs.

Publishing

Students will review and edit their field photographs to a high standard, they will use their best photos to create a photo story that showcases the techniques they have learned using the Book Creator app. Finally they will select their favourite photo to be printed in A4. Photo prints and frames will be delivered to school after the incursion.

This program is also available as an  excursion  to the Field of Mars Reserve. This program is also available for Stage 3.

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

Risk assessment

Risk management plan

Classes

Recommended maximum 4 classes per day.

School preparation

This is a full day program. Schools to provide one extra large learning space, with a large screen or projector, for all participating classes for the duration of the day. The space needs to accommodate all classes.

If using local bushland or natural areas outside of your school, ensure all class teachers have visited the site and are familiar with the route from your school to the site.

Welfare

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

Session 1

Introduction

Photo practice

Recess
Session 2

Field photography

Photo publishing

Lunch
Session 3 Publishing continued

Please include your school's bell times in the notes section of your booking form.

Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary

represent, select, compose, collaborate, evaluate, refine, creativity, macro, rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, perspective, focus, exposure, edit

Syllabus outcomes and content

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

Content

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
  • Explore digital tools to make or manipulate still or moving images, text and/or sounds
  • Explore balance, scale and proportion in compositions to represent subject matter and ideas
  • Make artworks through collaboration with others
  • Demonstrate safe art making practices with respect for physical, social and digital saftey

Learning experiences will also support but not explicitly teach the following outcomes and content:

Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2024)

Physical and living systems depend on energy

Outcome

  • Uses information to investigate the solar system and the effects of energy on living, physical and geological systems ST2-SCI-01

Content

Living things depend on energy and materials to survive

  • Observe and describe living and non-living things in a habitat

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

Science and Technology 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 button linking to Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre Stage 2 Digital woodlands incursion bookings

Book now

Book your primary incursion using our online booking form.

Learning resources tile linking to Digital woodlands support materials and classroom activities

Learning resources

View online lessons that support primary incursion and excursion programs.

Flora and fauna fact sheets tile for native plants, animals and habitats that can inspire Digital woodlands photography in school grounds

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.