Brewongle Environmental Education Centre

Explore, Experience, Discover

Telephone02 4579 1136

Emailbrewongle-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

History - First contacts

 

A history investigation and a mystery story all rolled into one.

Old buildings carry old secrets. Investigate the mysterious happenings that took place in Sackville Reach Public School over 100 years ago.  Students use historical concepts and skills to solve a mystery of old bones that has baffled locals for decades. Was there really a creature in the valley below the school all those years ago?

 

Historical inquiry questions

  • Who lived here first and how do we know?
  • How has our community changed? What features have been lost and what features have been retained? 
  • What is the nature of the contribution made by different groups and individuals in the community?

Outcomes

  • Describes and explains how significant individuals, groups and events contributed to the changes in the local community over time HT2-2
  • Applies skills of historical inquiry and communication HT2-5

Content

  • The importance of Country and Place to Dharug people of the local area
  • Education as an example of change and continuity over time in the local community
  • The role that people of diverse backgrounds have played in the development and character of the local community

 

Cross Curriculum Priorities

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
  • Sustainability

Activity 1 - Bones and Bush Resource Walk

We unveil the bone that was uncovered on the Locke’s property. Students measure and identify the bone using a bone reference chart. Students then discover Jimmy’s bush knowledge and explore the forest of Brewongle. 

 

Activity 2 - Inside the 1878 Classroom

Students experience Lawrence’s school life in 1916 to gain an understanding and appreciation of the period. They will meet the Principal, learn about rules and consequences, partake in a lesson and unravel the missing sections of Lawrence’s diary to make new discoveries.

 

Activity 3 - Jimmy's Kitchen

Aboriginal artefacts, storytelling and old maps will lead students on a journey to find more amazing things. What is down the goanna track and in the slimy rock forest?

Time Group 1 Group 2 Group 3
10:00

Welcome to Brewongle / Safety Briefing 

Inform students about visiting Grandma Locke and discovering extra diary sections and finding the bones.

10:20

Inside the 1878 classroom

Bones & Bush Resource Walk

Jimmy's Kitchen

11:10 RECESS
11:25

Bones & Bush Resource Walk

Jimmy's Kitchen

Inside the 1878 classroom

12:10

Jimmy's Kitchen

Inside the 1878 classroom

Bones & Bush Resource Walk

12:55 LUNCH
1:20

Reflection of activities / Wrap up / Toilets

What does the creature look like? Was it fast or slow, ferocious or not?

Which bones belong to which megafauna animal?

1:45 FAREWELL

Barefooot Lawrence’s Diary

PRE-VISIT – Barefoot Lawrence Worksheet – Please have students use Lawrence’s Diary to complete the pre-visit tasks in this worksheet.

Download other supplementary pre-excursion activities.

Location Brewongle EEC, Sackville North
Bus  details

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.

Cost Refer to Brewongle's pricing page
Class numbers and size

Up to 3 classes per day or 90 students

Maximum 30 students per class

Start and finish times

Arrival time is 10am

Departure time is 1:45pm

* discuss prior to your visit if you require alternate times

Risk Assessments Refer to Brewongle's risk management plans
Inclusive learning support

This program can be adapted for students with specific mobility requirements.

Please visit our inclusive education website for social stories and other excursion support materials.

Adverse weather

On days where the weather is unsuitable, a Brewongle staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangments.

Please visit booking and cancellation policy to view our trigger points for cancellation.