Learning activities

Bush Resources Talk

Students will discover a range of foods and natural resources found in the Australian bush—many of which are still used in cooking today! They’ll also learn how Aboriginal Peoples have long used the land to make tools and weapons, exploring the clever ways natural materials were shaped and used in daily life.

At West Head, this will be presented by Uncle Laurie Bimson, Garigal man and descendant of Bungaree, leader of the local clan at the time of European arrival.

Cultural sites visit

Students will explore various important cultural sites hidden within our local area. As part of the experience, they’ll visit a special Aboriginal engraving site, where they’ll learn how these sites tell the stories of Country and how they offer a window into the lives and beliefs of the local Aboriginal Peoples.

Ochre hand stencil (West Head location only)

Students will create their own ochre stencil artwork, inspired by local traditional techniques and stories shared during the session.

Shelter building (Bobbin Head or Muogamarra location only)

After discovering how Aboriginal people traditionally built shelters using natural materials, students will work together in small groups to create their own mini-shelters using items collected from the bush. Once finished, they’ll explore each other’s creations, sharing ideas about which designs and materials worked best and why.

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes A & B	Classes C & D
10.00am	Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day
10.10am	Morning Tea
10.30am	Bush resources talk, bushwalk	Cultural sites visit
11.45am	Cultural sites visit	Bush resources talk, bushwalk
1.00pm	Lunch
1.30pm	Shelter building / ochre hand stencil
2.00pm	Conclusion and depart

* Please call the centre if you have more than 4 classes.

Syllabus outcomes

HSIE Syllabus (2024)

• HS1-ACH-01 describes interactions between Aboriginal Peoples and Country

 Content

People are connected to places and groups

Aboriginal Peoples have a responsibility to Country

• Identify how Aboriginal Country is represented in a range of contexts
• Describe ways in which Aboriginal Peoples use Knowledge of land, water and sky Country in everyday life
• Recognise Aboriginal Peoples’ responsibility to Country can incorporate physical, spiritual and Cultural connections

People learn about the past by engaging with stories, images, objects and sites

Aboriginal Peoples have rich and diverse Cultures and Histories

• Locate and discuss objects and sites that evidence Aboriginal Peoples as the oldest living continuous Cultures in the world
• Identify and describe significant Aboriginal sites across NSW and relate them to Dreaming Stories
• Identify ways in which Aboriginal Peoples share and celebrate their Cultures and Histories

Geography K-10 Syllabus (2015)

Outcomes

A student:

• GE1-1 describes features of places and the connections people have with places
• GE1-2 identifies ways in which people interact with and care for places
• GE1-3 communicates geographical information and uses geographical tools for inquiry

Content

Features of places

Students:

• investigate features of places and how they can be cared for, for example: (ACHGK005)

- description of the natural and human features of places

- discussion of the natural features of places identified in Aboriginal Dreaming stories and/or Legends of the Torres Strait

- consideration of how a place can be cared for

Local and global connections

Students:

• investigate connections that people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, have to local and global places, for example: (ACHGK010, ACHGK011, ACHGK012)

  • discussion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' connections with land, sea and animals of their place

History K-10 Syllabus (2015)

Outcomes

A student:

HT1-2 describes and describes significant people, events, places and sites in the local community over time

Content

The Past in the Present

The history of a significant person, building, site or part of the natural environment in the local community and what it reveals about the past (ACHHK044)

Students:

• brainstorm what aspects of the past can be seen in the local area

  • identify a significant person, building, site or part of the natural environment in the local community and discuss what they reveal about the past and why they are considered important
  • investigate an aspect of local history

The importance today of an historical site of cultural or spiritual significance; for example, a community building, a landmark, a war memorial(ACHHK045)

Students:

• identify an historical site or sites in the local community. Discuss their significance, why these sites have survived and the importance of preserving them
• examine local or regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sites, eg local national parks

Cost and details

Bus access map	Map for access to venue will be sent with the confirmation. Please ensure you print a copy and provide it to the bus driver on the morning of the excursion.
Cost	2026 DoE $20 per student - GST free 2026 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750 per class NOTE:  National Parks entry is $1.10 per student in addition - GST free
Class numbers and size	Up to 4 classes Max. 30 students per class Please contact the centre if you have more than 4 classes.
Risk assessments	A complete risk assessment will be sent upon confirmation.
What to bring	Backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes. Students wear sports uniform.
Adverse weather	On days where the weather is unsuitable (see risk assessment), a Gibberagong staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements. Please check your bus company’s cancellation policy.
Medical notifications	Notify Gibberagong EEC by completing and returning the medical form before the excursion. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking.