Program overview
A history investigation and mystery story all rolled into one!
Old buildings carry old secrets. Explore the mysterious happenings that took place at Sackville Reach Public School over 100 years ago. Students will use historical concepts and skills to solve the decades-old mystery of ancient bones that have puzzled locals for years. Was there really a creature lurking in the valley below the school back then?
Historical inquiry questions
- Who lived here first and how do we know?
- How has our community changed? What features have been lost and what features have been retained?
- What is the nature of the contribution made by different groups and individuals in the community?
Outcomes
- Describes and explains how significant individuals, groups and events contributed to the changes in the local community over time HT2-2
- Applies skills of historical inquiry and communication HT2-5
- Content
- The importance of Country and Place to Dharug people of the local area
- Education as an example of change and continuity over time in the local community
- The role that people of diverse backgrounds have played in the development and character of the local community
Cross Curriculum Priorities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
- Sustainability
| 1 |
Bones and Bush Resource Walk We unveil the bone that was uncovered on the Locke’s property. Students measure and identify the bone using a bone reference chart. Students then discover Jimmy’s bush knowledge and explore the forest of Brewongle. |
| 2 |
Inside the 1878 Classroom Students experience Lawrence’s school life in 1916 to gain an understanding and appreciation of the period. They will meet the principal, learn about rules and consequences, partake in a lesson and unravel the missing sections of Lawrence’s diary to make new discoveries. |
| 3 |
Jimmy's Kitchen Aboriginal artefacts, storytelling and old maps will lead students on a journey to find more amazing things. What is down the goanna track and in the slimy rock forest? |
| Activity social story coming soon! | |
|
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 Inform students about visiting Grandma Locke and discovering extra diary sections and finding the bones. |
| 10:20 | Inside the 1878 classroom |
| 11:10 | Bones & bush resource walk |
| 12:00 | LUNCH |
| 12:40 | Jimmy's kitchen |
| 1:30 |
Reflection of activities / Wrap up / Toilets What does the creature look like? Was it fast or slow, ferocious or not? Which bones belong to which megafauna animal? |
| 2:00 | Farewell |
Pre-excursion activities
Please have students read Lawrence’s diary and use it to complete the pre-visit tasks in this worksheet.
Download other supplementary pre-excursion activities.
| 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
2 History