Program overview
Stage 3 students experience a day of connecting to Country through oral mapping, a unique geographical skill that has been handed down from generation to generation in many Indigenous cultures. As our world becomes more globalised, students need to understand connections both to the local and global environments. This excursion can stand alone to connect students to Country or be embedded in a unit of study comparing and contrasting local Aboriginal ways of being, knowing and doing with the ways of other Indigenous cultures in the Asia Pacific rim.
For this program, we always aim to have a Cultural Educator or Aboriginal Education Teacher on site to facilitate cultural learning during the program. If this is not possible, our experienced teachers deliver the program using the cultural education knowledge and training they have received, with ongoing support from cultural knowledge holders.
Geographical inquiry questions
- How do Indigenous Australians’ connections to place influence and affect perceptions of Country?
Geography K-10 Syllabus (2015)
Outcomes
- GE3-1 describes the diverse features and characteristics of places and environments
- GE3-2 explains interactions and connections between people, places and environments
- GE3-4 acquires, processes and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry
Content
- Connections shape perceptions
Cross Curriculum Priorities
- Sustainability
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
Literacy & Numeracy Learning Progressions
This program supports student learning in various Elements of the Literacy Learning Progression.
| 1 |
Dharug cultural talk Students learn about Aboriginal cultural diversity, Songlines and the use of various traditional tools used by people as they travelled and lived along the Songlines. |
| 2 |
Mapping & acquisition of geographical information In small groups, students use a map and fieldwork instruments to locate information about Dharug culture. Students then share their knowledge with the rest of the class. |
| 3 |
Journey bushwalk Students take a journey bushwalk. Along the way - Ngarra ngalga (stop, look and listen) noting physical landform features, listening for animals and discussing plants. |
| 4 |
Nature map Students create a map of the journey just undertaken using found items (leaves, small sticks, stones). Orally re-tell the journey using metaphors of landscape features, animals and plants present. |
| Activity social stories to come! | |
|
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 |
| 10:15 |
Culture talk (Wisdom Tree) |
| 10:55 |
Mapping & acquisition of geographical information (Wattungle) |
| 11:35 | LUNCH |
| 12:15 |
Journey bushwalk (start at the Ridge-top classroom) |
| 12:45 |
Nature map (Lookout classroom) |
| 1:25 | Reflection of activities / Wrap up / Toilets |
| 2:00 | Farewell |
| 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
Brewongle EEC provides inclusive learning support through accessible, hands-on, and differentiated programs that cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring all learners can engage meaningfully with curriculum-based experiences in nature.