Brewongle Environmental Education Centre

Explore, Experience, Discover

Telephone02 4579 1136

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

The Australian colonies - Riverboy

Stage 3 history program

 

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.  

 

picture of quills with ink stains

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

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

Activity 1 - Young historians

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

 

Activity 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! 

 

Activity 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. 

 

Time Group 1  Group 2 Group 3
10:00 Welcome to Brewongle / Safety Briefing 
10:20

 

    
11:10 RECESS
11:25

 

    
12:10

 

    
12:55  
1:20 LUNCH
1:45 Reflection of activities / Wrap up / Toilets
2:00 FAREWELL

Pre and post-excursion lessons are available in the student workbook (link below)

Student workbook    

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 2pm

* 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.

picture of 1878 school bell
Book now at Brewongle button

Related content

Brewongle Environmental Education Centre

General enquiries

  • address 587 Chapel Hill Road
    Sackville North NSW 2756

    telephone 02 4579 1136

    email brewongle-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

    Get directions

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  • address 730 Sackville Ferry Road
    Sackville North NSW 2756

    telephone 02 4579 1136

    email brewongle-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

    Get directions

    • CallGet directionsMail

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    We sincerely acknowledge Aboriginal Elders past, present and emerging - the masters of sustainability. We thank the Elders and knowledge-holders who've shared with us, and those we work and connect with at Brewongle. We endeavour to continue to connect with Darug land and build her connection with our students.

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