Learning activities

Bush resources talk

Students will explore a variety of bush resources, including food, tools and weapons. They will learn about how Aboriginal Peoples traditionally utilise the land to create tools and weapons and examine the innovative methods employed to shape and use natural materials.

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

Cultural sites visit

Students will explore various important cultural and historical 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.

Shelter building

After learning how Aboriginal people made shelters, the students will work in groups to make mini-shelters using natural materials that have been collected in the bush.

Once completed, the students will have an opportunity to visit the shelters of other groups and discuss what designs and materials that they thought worked the best.

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	Cultural sites visit
11.30am	Cultural sites visit	Bush resources talk
12.30pm	Lunch
1.00pm	Shelter building
2.00pm	Conclusion and depart

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

Syllabus outcomes

HSIE Syllabus (2024)

• HS2-ACH-01 describes Aboriginal Peoples’ obligations to Country, Culture and Community

Content

Aboriginal Peoples use and care for the environment sustainably

• Identify and use appropriate terminology when sharing Knowledges about Country
• Describe how Aboriginal Peoples sustainably use the resources of Country

People have responsibility to care for Australia's environments

• Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander food practices that are sustainable

Aboriginal Peoples have the oldest living continuous Cultures in the world

• Examine how Aboriginal Peoples have engaged in Cultural exchange and trade across NSW
• Examine NSW sites of archaeological evidence of the oldest living continuous Cultures in the world

Geography K-10 Syllabus (2017)

Outcomes

GE2-1 examines features and characteristics of places and environments

GE2-2 describes the ways people, places and environments interact

GE2-3 examines differing perceptions about the management of places and environments

Content

Perception of environments

Students:

• investigate the ways people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, value environments, for example:  (ACHGK022, ACHGK023, ACHGK024)

History K-10 Syllabus

Outcomes

HT2-4 describes and explains effects of British colonisations in Australia

HT2-5 applies skills of historical inquiry and communication

Content

First Contacts

The diversity and longevity of Australia's first peoples and the ways Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are connected to Country and Place (laand, sea, waterways and skies) and the implications for their daily lives (ACHHK077)

Students:

• identify the original inhabitants of Australia and create a timeline indicating their longevity in Australia of more than 50,000 years
• investigate, drawing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community representatives (where possible) and other sources, the traditional Aboriginal way of life, focusing on people, their beliefs, food, shelter, tools and weapons, customs and ceremonies, art works, dance, music, and relationship to Country

Community and Remembrance

The importance of Country and Place to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who belong to a local area….(ACHHK060)

Students:

• identify the original languages spoken in the local and regional area

• identify the special relationship that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples have to Country and Place

• respond to Aborigional stories told about Country presented in texts or by a guest presenter

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	2025 DoE $20 per student - GST free 2025 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
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.