Program overview
Nature is important for many reasons, both to people and wildlife.
This geographical inquiry excursion uses the story of Eddy the Dharug Boy to engage students with the spaces and places around Brewongle. It helps them understand why these areas are significant and how we can care for them. The program incorporates geographical tools such as maps and fieldwork, along with post-visit lessons and assessments.
Geographical inquiry questions
- How can we look after the places we live in?
- What makes a place special?
- What are places like?
Outcomes
- Identifies places and develops an understanding of the importance of places to people GEe-1
- Communicates geographical information and uses geographical tools GEe-2
Content
- Important places
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander places
- Locating places
Cross Curriculum priorities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
- Sustainability
Literacy & Numeracy Learning Progressions
This program supports student learning in various elements of the Literacy and Numeracy Learning Progressions.
| 1 |
What makes a home? Students develop an understanding of the importance of places around Brewongle. They learn about Dharug Totems and create built shelters for a blue-tongue lizard. Their shelters are then put to the test with some rain (watering can). Maybe Heidi our resident blue-tongue might move in. Maybe we can spot some possums sleeping in nest boxes. |
| 2 |
Bush resource walk and Gunyah building Students trace the steps of Eddy and Barrugin, two Dharug boys who ran away from their camp across the river. Students search for bush medicine and food and build a shelter called a Gunyah. |
| 3 |
Nature mud maps Students learn to map a route they take in the bush at Brewongle to help them find their way back. They use sticks, leaves and other objects to create a mud map of their track and present their map to their class. |
| Activity social story | |
|
Sample of a 1 group program For multiple groups/classes, the same activities are run on an alternating schedule |
|
| 9:45 |
Welcome to Brewongle Safety briefing |
| 10:00 |
RECESS Students read “Eddy the Dharug Boy” under the wisdom tree |
| 10:25 |
What makes a home? (Nature play area) |
| 11:15 |
Bush resource walk & Gunyah building (Wattungle to Lookout) |
| 12:05 | LUNCH |
| 12:35 |
Nature mud maps (Wisdom Tree to Bug Pits) |
| 1:25 | Reflection of activities / Wrap up / Toilets |
| 2:00 | Farewell |
There is no worksheet for this program
Suggested pre-excursion activities
The following books were written by local Dharug women and are perfect stories to read with students to support this excursion. These books incorporate real Indigenous culture and language in engaging and beautiful stories.
- Baby Business by Jasmine Seymour
- Cooee Mittigar by Jasmine Seymour and Leanne Mulgo Watson
- The Lost Girl by Amberlin Kwaymullina and Leanne Tobin
These texts can be borrowed from Brewongle EEC. Please contact us to organise.
| Location | Brewongle Environmental Education Centre, Sackville North |
| Transport |
Buses are booked by the visiting school. A map to the bus parking will be sent with the schools confirmation email. Please ensure you print the map and give to the bus driver the morning of the excursion. |
| Program costs | Program costs |
| Student numbers |
Maximum student numbers are 30 students per class - up to 3 classes per day No minimum student numbers (instead possible minimum costs) |
| Supporting teachers and staff | Minimum requirement is one teacher per attending class |
| Program start and finish times |
Brewongle arrival time is 9:45 am - departure time is 2 pm * discuss prior to your visit if you require alternate times |
| Medical and welfare notifications |
Using the Brewongle medical and welfare form (sent with the confirmation email), inform Brewongle staff of any medical conditions or special requirements prior to the visit This program can be adapted for teachers and students with specific mobility requirements |
| Adverse weather |
Visit our visitor information page to view our weather trigger points for program changes On days where the weather is unsuitable, a Brewongle staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements |
| Booking and cancellation policy requirements |
Brewongle booking and cancellation policy Student attendance numbers confirmed 7 days prior to visit Cancellation fees may apply |
| Inclusive learning support | Visit our inclusive education website for further excursion support materials |
Booking enquiries
Get in touch to ask a question, plan a visit or find out more about what we offer