Kids vs wild 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	2024 DoE $24 per student - GST free 2025 DoE $25 per student - GST free 2024 Non-gov school cost $34 per student - GST free, minimum charge $700 2025 Non-gov school cost $35 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750 Term 1 - Catholic school Weeks 3 to 7 cost = DoE cost - GST free, minimum charge $750
Risk assessment	Field of Mars Reserve risk management plan COVID-19 safety plan
Tracks	View the YouTube track overview videos. Buffalo Creek Track Doyle and Warada loop track
Welfare	Participants will be bushwalking during the day in rugged terrain. Limited wheelchair accessibility. This excursion may not be suitable for people who have been recently 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
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 two classes

Time	Classes A, B
9.45 - 10.20	Introduction, recess and toilets
10.20 - 11.30	Challenge course
11.30 - 11.45	Fruit break
11.45 - 12.30	Bush walk
12.30 - 1.00	Shelter building
1.00 - 1.30	Lunch
1.30 - 2.00	Final challenge
2.00 - 2.15	Pack up and depart

Learning activities

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

Introduction

Students wil be introduced to the key concepts of team challenge, map reading, scavenger hunt and the use of equipment and control cards.

Fieldwork

Challenge course

In small groups, students will use their maps and compasses to navigate to eight stations where they will solve riddles and collect a piece of equipment for later use. Each group will also collect clues to reveal the native animal their team will represent.

Bushwalk

Students will go on a guided bushwalk to observe animal habitats and learn about their native animal. Whilst in the bush students will develop a team brand and represent it using charcoal and facepaint. Upon their return students will present their team brand and information about their animal.

Shelter construction

Students use the information and equipment from the challenge course to build a shelter to protect their team from an imminent 'rain storm'. After the 'storm' passes students can use their shelter as a lunch spot.

Conclusion

Students will reflect on the activities and skills they have developed.

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

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Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

address Field of Mars Reserve
Pittwater Road
East Ryde NSW 2112

telephone 02 9816 1298

email fieldofmar-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

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Kids vs wild program

Teacher checklist

Suggested timetable for up to two classes

Time

Classes A, B

Learning activities

Syllabus outcomes and content

Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

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