Program overview
The Hawkesbury Nepean River is a central part of our landscape. This geographical inquiry focuses on the environmental and human processes that form and transform landscapes and landforms, with a particular focus on the Hawkesbury River at Sackville North.
Using a variety of fieldwork instruments and geographical tools students will:
- Complete an erosion assessment and conduct soil compaction and infiltration tests.
- Conduct various tests on vegetation structure and abundance, evaluating the impact of vegetation on the landscape and linking vegetation to topography and erosion.
- Examine the geomorphology of the Hawkesbury River system.
- Investigate examples of weathering.
- Learn about the importance of local landscapes and landforms to Dharug people.
| 1 |
Erosion assessment Students assess the impact of walking tracks around Brewongle, measuring track erosion, soil compaction and infiltration. |
| 2 |
Vegetation Students conduct various tests on vegetation structure and abundance, evaluating the impact of vegetation on the landscape and linking vegetation to topography and erosion. |
| 3 |
Geomorphology of the Hawkesbury River Students analyse topography and evidence of stormwater erosion before examining the geomorphology of this lowland river system. |
| 4 |
Indigenous landscapes From within our large sandstone cave, students distinguish between various examples of weathering. Students sketch the cave and label various features. They learn about the importance of landscapes and landforms in Culture, with a focus on Songlines. |
| Activity social story coming soon! | |
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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 RECESS |
| 10:05 |
Erosion assessment (Gully track) |
| 11:00 |
Vegetation (Ridgetop & lookout classroom) |
| 11:50 |
Geomorphology of the Hawkesbury River (Sulky track & river block) |
| 12:40 | LUNCH (in the field) |
| 1:00 |
Indigenous landscapes (Cave & bushwalk) |
| 1:50 | Reflection of activities / Wrap up / Toilets |
| 2:00 | Farewell |
Pre- and post-excursion lessons are available in the student worksheet
| 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