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

DoE $24 per student - GST free

Non-gov school $34 per student - GST free, minimum charge $700

Term 1 - Catholic school Weeks 3 to 7 cost = DoE cost - GST free, minimum charge $700

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.

Limited wheelchair accessibility.

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.

Students wear reusable name tag and sports uniform.

View Preparing for an excursion
Tracks

View the YouTube track overview videos.

Doyle and Warada loop track

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.
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 four school weeks' notice will incur a $500 administration fee. This does not apply to cancellations due to weather or fire danger.


Suggested timetable for up to six classes

Please note: Less than 100 students 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:

  • selects and uses interpersonal skills to interact respectfully with others to promote inclusion and build connections PD3-10 

Content

Students:

  • participate positively in groups and teams by encouraging others and negotiating roles and responsibilities

Other syllabus links

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

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.  

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