Bush studio K-6 | Visual arts | Teacher professional learning | Field of Mars EEC
Program overview
Bush studio is a K–6 Visual Arts professional learning workshop that supports teachers to plan and deliver high-quality, nature-based artmaking in classroom and outdoor settings. Working with artists and educators, participants explore the Field of Mars Reserve as stimulus and experiment with a range of classroom-applicable techniques and media (including drawing, textiles and printing) to strengthen programming and practice aligned to Visual Arts outcomes and processes.
Activities
This is draft program and activities may change.
Introduction
Teachers begin with an Acknowledgement of Country, course overview and success criteria. Participants establish a shared studio mindset for experimentation, risk-taking and respectful use of the bushland setting as inspiration.
Bushwalk stimulus
Teachers explore the urban bushland setting through guided looking routines that build visual literacy and observational accuracy. Participants gather visual stimulus to inform making across the day.
Art session 1
Teachers experiment with foundational drawing approaches that translate directly to K–6 classrooms, including contour, tonal studies and texture/mark exploration. Participants create a set of preliminary works that capture both big shapes and fine environmental detail.
Art session 2
Teachers rotate through making processes that explore surfaces and layering, using accessible tools and materials suitable for primary settings. The focus is on generating a series of trial pieces and adapting techniques to different year groups and contexts.
Art session 3
Teachers select one promising idea from earlier experiments and develop it into a more resolved artwork. Participants practise decision-making around composition, layering, colour/contrast and finishing choices, supported by peer feedback and facilitation.
Gallery walk
Teachers participate in a short gallery walk to discuss process, intention and possible classroom modifications. The day concludes with an implementation plan outlining one activity sequence, required resources and differentiation strategies for K–6 learners.
This course has been created with the support of The Arts Unit.
Facilitator - Sia Cox
This course addresses the following Professional Teaching Standards 1.2.2, 2.1.2, 6.2.2, 7.4.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. These hours contribute towards maintaining proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.
Time: 5 hours
Location
Field of Mars Reserve
Location – including bus maps, risk management advice, track overview
Essential information
Cost and details
Cost |
DOE teacher cost: $199 Non DOE teacher: $299 Includes morning tea and lunch |
Participants |
Max 30 |
Welfare |
Bushwalking component, not wheelchair accessible. May not suit recently unwell participants. 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. |
Dates and enrolment
Timetable
Time |
Activities |
| 8.30 | Registration |
| 9.00 | Introduction |
| 9.15 | Art session 1 |
| 10.30 | Morning tea |
| 11.00 | Art session 2 |
| 12.45 | Lunch |
| 1.30 | Art session 3 |
| 3.00 | Finish |
Learning resources
View online lessons that support primary incursion and excursion programs.
Flora and fauna factsheets
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.