Program overview
As urban Sydney continues to sprawl in all directions, Northwest Sydney is undergoing significant change. This geographical inquiry focuses on the dynamic relationship between people and the environment at Brewongle Environmental Education Centre and its surrounds at Sackville North on the Hawkesbury River.
Geographical inquiry questions
- How does the natural environment influence people and places at Sackville North?
- How have people changed the natural environment at Sackville North?
- How can we reduce the impact of bushfires at Sackville North?
Outcomes
- Describes the diverse features and characteristics of places and environments GE3-1
- Explains interactions and connections between people, places and environments GE3-2
- Compares and contrasts influences on the management of places and environments GE3-3
- Acquires, processes and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry GE3-4
| 1 |
Water quality Students will walk to the Lookout where they will discuss the different ways people use the Hawkesbury River and use fieldwork equipment to test the quality of the water in the river. |
| 2 |
Habitat assessment and human impacts Students will conduct a habitat and human impacts assessment of the Brewongle EEC site and discuss the different ways humans have changed the natural environment at Sackville North. |
| 3 |
Vegetation and bushfires Students will assess two different sites for bushfire risk. They will create a nature map to illustrate vegetation layers and density at each site and collect a leaf from each site to conduct a burn test. |
| Activity social stories 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 |
| 10:20 |
Water quality (Lookout classroom) |
| 11:20 |
Vegetation & bushfires (Ridgetop & Gully classroom) |
| 12:20 | LUNCH |
| 12:45 |
Habitat assessment & human impacts (Wattungle & Lookout classroom) |
| 1:45 | 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