Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

Experience Engage Enable

Telephone02 9816 1298

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

People, patterns and processes - Study 3: Place and cultural change excursion program

Teacher checklist

Location

Marrickville

Gadigal and Wangal Country

Start and finish at: Marrickville train station

Google maps - Apple maps

Field of Mars EEC staff will meet you and your students at Marrickville train station from 9:30 am.

Public transport

This excursion is accessible by public transport.

Train and bus routes to and from Marrickville Station.

Please be aware that Marrickville train station is currently closed due to the Sydney Southwest Metro Project, however there are frequent train-replacement buses to Marrickville from Sydenham and Bankstown.

Bus access

Supply bus driver with map to Marrickville Station bus interchange, Illawarra Road.

STA stop ID: 2204101

Google maps - Apple maps

Risk management plan

Students will be conducting some fieldwork independently along Marrickville Road. View the welfare map to see specific locations of independent student tasks.

Cost

2025 DoE $26 per student - GST free

2025 Non-gov school cost $36 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750

Schools are to confirm the number of students and classes at least 7 days prior to attending. Schools will be charged based on the number of students confirmed or number of students who attend on the day (whichever is greater). 

Worksheet

Worksheets are available for viewing upon booking.

Schools are responsible for printing student worksheets.

Welfare

Participants will be walking all day.

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

Public toilets are available at the beginning and end of the day, and during eating breaks. View the welfare map for the locations of public toilets.

Bring

General 

Writing materials, clipboard, mobile device for audiovisual recording, medications, low-waste food, two water bottles, sunblock, hat and raincoat in a backpack. Sports uniform recommended.

Mobile phone usage

Students will require a mobile device to record data. Please let Field of Mars EEC know in advance if adjustments are required.

Lunch 

Students are encouraged to bring money to buy takeaway food from local cafes and restaurants on Illawarra Road. View the welfare map to see the locations of cafes and retaurants students will be able to access for lunch.

Supporting resources

Place and cultural change - Google site

Pre-excursion and post-excursion activities can be found on the Place and cultural change: Marrickville Google site.

Pre-excursion activities - digital student workbook

Access the pre-excursion student workbook (Google docs) for the pre-fieldwork activities listed on the Google site.

Post-excursion questions - digital student workbook

Access the post-excursion student workbook (Google docs) consisting of fieldwork discussion and analysis questions.

Bin access All student waste to be taken home by students.
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 30 working school days notice will incur a $600 administration fee. 

Cancellations with less than 7 working school days notice will incur the full cost for the program based on the original booking. 

Cancellations due to weather or fire danger are exempt from fees. 


Suggested timetable

Time

Activities

9.30 - 9.45

Arrival and introduction

9.45 - 10.15 Sensory and discovery fieldwork
10.15 - 10.45 Investigating place and cultural change 
10.45 - 11.15 Morning tea and toilets

11.15 - 1.00

Sampling cultural characteristics

1.00 - 1.30

Lunch at local restaurant or cafe

1.30 - 2.00

Perceptions of cultural continuity and change
2.00 - 2.15 Conclusion and depart


People, patterns and processes - Study 3: Place and cultural change excursion

Geography

Program

This program supports 'Study 3: Place and cultural change' for the topic 'People, patterns and process'. This excursion leads students through an investigative case study of place and cultural change in a vibrant multicultural and modern suburb in inner Sydney.

Inquiry questions 

  • What are the cultural characteristics of Marrickville?

  • How has the movement of people (migration) influenced the culture of Marrickville? 

  • How is human wellbeing integrated in the culture of Marrickville?

  • What are the perceptions of cultural continuity and change in Marrickville?

  • What fieldwork methods can be used to investigate the culture of a place?

Fieldwork 

Introduction

The excursion commences with sensory and discovery fieldwork to introduce students to place and culture.

Investigating place and cultural change

Through field photography and secondary source analysis, students will then examine how sites of interest have changed over time, allowing students to draw conclusions on migration as a medium for place and cultural change.

Sampling cultural characteristics 

Students will use digital instruments and random sampling methods to comprehensively survey cultural factors including streetscape, architecture, colours, noise, and street life. Data will be used to identify the influence of immigration and gentrification on the current cultural landscape of Marrickville. 

Lunch

By engaging in Marrickville’s food scene at lunch, students will gain a focussed understanding of the influence of migration on culture. Optional activities are provided to enable exploration of cultural diffusion and adaptation through food.

Perceptions of cultural continuity and change

Students conclude their investigation by conducting street interviews to understand community perceptions of culture, cultural continuity and change.



Syllabus outcomes and content

Geography 11-12 Syllabus (2022) 

Outcomes

  • examines places, environments and natural and human phenomena, for their characteristics, spatial patterns, interactions and changes over time GE-11-01
  • explains geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments GE-11-02
  • explains geographical opportunities and challenges, and varying perspectives and responses GE-11-03
  • analyses and synthesises relevant geographical information from a variety of sources GE-11-05
  • identifies geographical methods used in geographical inquiry and their relevance in the contemporary world GE-11-06
  • applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork, and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments GE-11-07
  • applies mathematical ideas and techniques to analyse geographical data GE-11-08
  • communicates and applies geographical understanding, using geographical knowledge, concepts, terms and tools, in appropriate forms GE-11-09

Content

Study 3: Place and cultural change

Students investigate:

  • Culture of place

  • Influences on the culture of place

    Including:

    • the processes of diffusion, adoption and adaptation of culture
    • the mediums facilitating cultural change
  • Evidence of cultural change in various places around the world

  • Impacts of, and responses to, change

  • ONE place at a local scale

    Including:

    • the spatial and cultural characteristics of the place
    • influences on the cultural identity of the place
    • perceptions of, and responses to, cultural continuity and/or change
    • opportunities to enhance environmental sustainability and/or human wellbeing
Geography 11–12 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2022