Program overview
This excursion engages stage 3 students in hands on learning where they can learn to master (or just attempt) traditional skills.
Students take a short guided bushwalk to learn the importance of fire in our local bush, before attempting to make fire with firesticks. They examine a range of traditional tools and weapons, as well as trying their hands at spear and boomerang throwing.
Historical inquiry questions
- What do we know about the lives of people in Australia’s colonial past and how do we know?
- What were significant events that shaped Australian colonies?
- How did colonial settlement change the environment?
Outcomes
- SU Biological sciences – The growth and survival of living things are affected by physical conditions of their environment.
- SHE Use and influence of Science – Scientific knowledge is used to solve problems and inform personal and community decisions
Content
- Investigating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ knowledge and understanding of the physical conditions necessary for survival of certain plants and animals in the environment.
- Discussing how modern approaches to fire ecology in Australia are being informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ traditional ecological knowledge and fire management practices.
Cross Curriculum Priorities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
- Sustainability
| 1 |
Traditional fire making Students learn how fire and Cultural burning was and is used to change landscapes and what bushfire looks like without cool burns. Students then have a go at making their own fire traditionally. |
| 2 |
Tools and weapons Students learn about properties of a range of plants around Brewongle before examining some traditional tools and weapons. What makes clapsticks so loud? Would stringybark make a good shield? How do the tools get so smooth/sharp? |
| 3 |
Spear throwing Students learn some techniques for throwing spears, including using woomeras to extend the throw, before trying their hand at spear throwing. |
| 4 |
Boomerang throwing Students learn how to throw a boomerang, then attempt to throw one themselves. |
|
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 |
| 10:20 |
Fire as a skill (Bushwalk then campfire) |
| 11:05 |
Tools & weapons (Wisdom tree) |
| 11:50 | LUNCH |
| 12:10 |
Boomerang throwing (Sackville Oval) |
| 12:55 |
Spear throwing (Sackville Oval) |
| 1:40 | Reflection of activities / Wrap up / Toilets |
| 2:00 | Farewell |
| Activity social story to come! | |
| 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 4 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