Program overview

Stage 4 students investigate how permaculture elements are being used at Brewongle Environmental Education Centre to produce food more sustainably. Students also learn about the knowledge we can utilise from Aboriginal Peoples to inform sustainable and resilient food systems for the future.

vegetable farm growing
vegetables packaged into boxes
Syllabus outcomes and content

Geography 7–10 Syllabus (2024)

Biomes and sustainable agriculture

Outcomes

  • GE5-MAN-01 assesses different approaches to the management and protection of places and environments
  • GE5-APC-01 analyses how Aboriginal Peoples’ Custodianship of Country supports environmental management and enhances Community wellbeing
  • GE5-TAP-01 applies and evaluates a range of geographical tools to acquire and process geographical information

Content

Thinking and working geographically

  • Engage in geographical inquiry using geographical information
  • Select a range of relevant geographical tools

Factors influencing food production

  • Human alterations to biomes to maximise food production

Towards food security

  • Aboriginal Peoples’ Knowledges and collaborative practices that can inform sustainable and resilient food systems for the future
Program activities
1

Map tour of permaculture elements at Brewongle

Students use maps to navigate their way around the site to identify permaculture elements at Brewongle. They explain how each element creates more sustainable food production.

2

Soil assessment

Using a range of geographical tools, students test a variety of soil health parameters at two different sites to better understand the impact of permaculture elements on soil health.

3

Sustainable food practices used by Aboriginal Peoples

Students participate in a bush foods walk around Brewongle and learn about Aboriginal People’s use of fire-stick farming to manage the environment.

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 Map tour of permaculture elements at Brewongle
11:00 RECESS
11:20 Soil assessment
12:20 LUNCH
12:45 Sustainable food practices used by Aboriginal Peoples
1:45 Reflection of activities / Wrap up / Toilets
2:00 Farewell
Worksheet and pre-excursion activities

Pre- and post-excursion lessons are available in the student worksheet

Biomes and sustainable agriculture 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 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

Inclusive learning support

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.