Participants using simple fieldwork tools and data collection strategies to investigate a local environment as part of the Natural teacher course

Natural teacher K-6 | Teacher professional learning

Teacher group listening to a story and discussing ways to respectfully embed Aboriginal histories and cultures into outdoor learning programs
Primary teachers participating in the Natural teacher professional learning workshop, exploring outdoor teaching strategies in bushland at Field of Mars Reserve

Program overview

No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” – Sir David Attenborough

The world beyond your classroom can provide all the ingredients you need to create amazing real-world learning experiences while supporting student wellbeing.

This face-to-face course will provide participants with a range of hands-on ideas and fun pedagogical approaches for taking core curriculum learning outdoors. The course has a strong focus on enriching and extending the HSIE, Science and English syllabus though high quality outdoor experiences.

We will investigate ways of integrating learning in nature, Aboriginal histories and cultures, fieldwork, data collection, games and the authentic use of technology to create learning experiences that are highly engaging and contribute to quality learning outcomes.

We will examine the significant value of learning in nature and how this can lead to improved student wellbeing. We will explore safe ways of engaging students in a variety of natural contexts.

Participants will learn how to provide students with an experiential curriculum that is contemporary, relevant, challenging and physically active through the integration of outdoor learning into their teaching and learning programs.

This course will contribute  5 hours  towards NESA elective professional development addressing the following Professional Teaching Standards  1.2.2, 2.1.2, 2.6.2, 6.2.2  from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

Time: 5 hours

Please note: We can create additional sessions to cater for whole school Staff Development Days

Location

Field of Mars Reserve bushland tracks used during a professional learning workshop.

Field of Mars Reserve

Location – including bus maps, risk management advice, track overview

Essential information

Cost and details

Cost

DOE teacher cost: $199

DoE whole school SDD: $149 per teacher

Non DOE teacher: $299

Includes morning tea and lunch

Participants

 Max 70

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

2026 dates

Term 1: Week 1 - Thursday 29th January SDD

Term 3: Week 1 - Monday 20th July SDD

Enrol via MyPL

Course identifier NSR00312

We can create additional sessions to cater for whole school Staff Development Days

Timetable

Time

Activities
8.30 Registration
9.00 Introduction
9.15 Natural wellbeing
10.30 Morning tea
11.00 Syllabus outdoors
12.45 Lunch
1.30 Natural games
2.30 Natural syllabus
3.00 Finish
Online lessons and ideas that can be used to support classroom teaching.

Learning resources

View online lessons that support primary incursion and excursion programs.

Flora and fauna factsheets that can be used in a classroom to support teaching and learning.

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.