Program overview

Brewongle EEC is situated at the former North Sackville Public School which was built in 1878, towards the end of the Australian Colonial period. This historical inquiry focuses on the nature of everyday life on the Hawkesbury River post-1800 colonial settlements, and how the environment has changed during this period.

Inquiry questions

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?
Syllabus outcomes and content

Outcomes

  • Stage 3 The Australian Colonies (HT3-1, 2,3,5)
Program activities
1

Young historians

Piece together artefacts, maps and Morse Code at Brewongle to uncover who the River boy is and learn about schooling in the past.

2

Observe the weather

Why was the baker’s boy so cold in his boat? Conduct scientific experiments to test theories about wind chill and build your own clay boat!

3

Walk back in time

Where is the story set? Walk down the Sulky Track and see how it compares to the historical stories and photographs. Look at and sketch the old school boat and compare transportation methods to those we use today.

Activity social story coming soon!
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 Young historians
11:00 RECESS
11:20 Observe the weather
12:20 Walk back in time
1:20 LUNCH
1:45 Reflection of activities / Wrap up / Toilets
2:00 Farewell
Worksheet and pre-excursion activities
River boy worksheet
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 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