Program overview

Students will learn about the local Dharug culture during a full day spent Connecting to Country. They will undertake a bush resource walk to discover traditional Dharug uses of native plants. Students will experience the use of ochre and traditional symbols for storytelling, participate in Indigenous games, and watch a story come to life on canvas through coloured sands and Aboriginal symbols.

students using ochre to draw on a rock
student throwing sand to create the sand art story
Inquiry questions

Geographical inquiry questions

  • How do people’s perceptions about places influence their views about the protection of places?
Syllabus outcomes and content

Outcomes

  • Examines features and characteristics of places and environments GE2-1
  • Describes the ways people, places and environments interact GE2-2

Content

  • The Australian continent
  • Perception and protection of places

Cross Curriculum Priorities

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
  • Sustainability
Program activities
1

Bush resource walk

Students go on a bush walk to locate bush resources and learn about the use of native plants for medicine, tool making and food. Students learn to count in Dharug language.

2

Storytelling

Students experience the use of ochre and traditional symbols for storytelling and then share their stories orally with their class.

3

Traditional Indigenous games

Students learn new skills and the importance of games, while participating in target and team games

4

Sand art

Students watch a story come to life on canvas using coloured sands and traditional Aboriginal symbols.

Activity social story
Recommended timetable

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
10:10

Ochre

(Lookout)

11:00 Bush resource walk
12:00 LUNCH
12:20 Traditional Indigenous games
1:35 Sand Art Story
1:50 Reflection of activities / Wrap up / Toilets
2:00 Farewell
Worksheet and pre-excursion activities
There is no worksheet or pre-excursion activities required for this program
Teacher information
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 6 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

2 History