Learning activities

Aboriginal history and culture talk

The students are introduced to a variety of foods and resources from the Australian bush, of which many are used today in contemporary food preparation. The talk will also discuss bush resources with a focus on how Aboriginal People made weapons and tools using natural materials.

Bush resource walk

The bush walk also provides the students with an opportunity to discover some of the traditional foods and other resources that are found in the area. This includes plants and other natural materials that provide tools, medicine and food to the local Aboriginal Peoples. Students will hear of the interconnected nature of traditional Aboriginal people and the land.

Cultural sites visit

The students will visit and learn about important cultural and historical sites, including an Aboriginal engraving site to understand its importance and how it can provide an insight into the traditional lives of the Aboriginal Peoples of this area. Students will also have an opportunity to consider how we can can care for sites like this in our local areas.

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, C, D
10.00am	Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day
10.10am	Morning tea
10.30am	Aboriginal history and culture talk	Bush resources walk Cultural sites visit
11.30am	Bush resources walk Cultural sites visit	Aboriginal history and culture talk
12.30pm	Lunch
1.30pm	Shelter building
2.00pm	Conclusion and depart

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

Syllabus outcomes

Geography K-10 Syllabus

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	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.