Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre logo

Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

Experience Engage Enable

Telephone02 9816 1298

Emailfieldofmar-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Challenge + program

Teacher checklist

Location

Field of Mars Reserve, Pittwater Road, East Ryde

Wallumedegal Country

Google maps - Apple maps

Bus access

Supply bus driver with Field of Mars Reserve bus information

No bus entry into Field of Mars Reserve.

Cost

2023 DoE $24 per student - GST free

2023 Non-gov school cost $34 per student - GST free, minimum charge $600

Risk assessment Risk management plan 

COVID-19 safety plan
Welfare Students will be outdoors most of the day, walking along rugged terrain. Some students may get wet during activities. Students can opt out of splash area.

This excursion may not be suitable for people who have recently been unwell.
Bring

Backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, mask.

Students wear reusable name tag and sports uniform.

View Preparing for an excursion
Bin access All student waste to be taken home by students.
Parent/carer helpers

Not required. If parents attend please ensure they wear closed shoes. No siblings.

Check COVID-19 restrictions.

Medical or special needs

Notify Field of Mars staff prior to excursion. 

Students, staff and visitors must not attend if unwell, even with mild symptoms. 

Extreme or wet weather Days predicted to be above 35ºC, high winds, extreme bush fire danger and dust storms may result in the excursion being modified, postponed or cancelled. 
Cancellations Cancellations with less than three school weeks' notice will incur a $500 administration fee. This does not apply to cancellations due to weather,  fire danger or COVID-19 restrictions.


Suggested timetable for up to six classes

Please note: 100 students or less will operate in three groups

Time

Classes A, B, C, D, E, F

9.45 - 10.00

Introduction

Recess and toilets

10.00 - 11.00

Challenge one 

11.00 - 12.00

Challenge two

12.00 - 12:30

Lunch 

12.30 - 1.30

Challenge three

1.30 - 2.00 Whole group game
2.00 - 2.15 Pack up and depart


Learning activities

Students will be involved in a range of outdoor team building challenges aimed at testing their problem solving, map reading and leadership skills. 

Up to two classes combine and will rotate between three activities and/or games. The day concludes with all classes combining for a final game.

Challenges

Orienteering photo rally

Students will be provided with a map and an iPad for taking photos. In groups of four to five, students will navigate using the map to find clues. The clue explains the group selfie for that location. Fast-finshers can use their photos to create a movie trailer.

Challenge bushwalk

Students will go on a guided bushwalk where they will be encouraged to explore, use their senses and support each other.

Fort building (owls and possums)

Groups will be split into two teams. One team, possums, will use sticks to build a fort wall (possum nest) designed to protect them from a water cannon attack. The second team, owls, will fill buckets and return to mount their attack. Groups then swap roles.



Syllabus outcomes and content

Personal development, health and physical education K-10 syllabus (2018)

Outcomes

A student:

  • demonstrates a range of interpersonal skills that build and enhance relationships and promote inclusion in various situations PD2-10 

Content

Students:

  • explore how success, challenge and overcoming adversity strengthens identity, for example:
    • explain how persistence and meeting challenges strengthens identity
  • make positive contributions to group activities, for example:
    • work in a group to achieve a set task or goal

Other syllabus links

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

Mathematics K-6 Syllabus (2012)

Outcomes

A student:

  • uses simple maps and grids to represent position and follow routes, including using compass directions MA2-17MG 

Content

Students:

  • create and interpret simple grid maps to show position and pathways

Learning across the curriculum

Critical and creative thinking 

Students are provided with opportunities to think critically about the qualities and attributes that build resilience and enhance and maintain caring and respectful relationships. 

Personal and social capability 

Through opportunities to work collaboratively, students develop their personal and social skills and an appreciation for the different insights and perspectives of their peers and community.  

Mathematics K-10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2012

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2018