Aboriginal Histories and Cultures incursion
Aboriginal Histories and Cultures
HSIE
Program
Aboriginal Peoples of northern Sydney have sustainably used the resources of Country for thousands of years.
During this full day incursion program, students will learn about the importance of Country to the local Aboriginal People, and how they care for and manage land, water and sky through a series of interactive and engaging activities.
Learning intentions
Students are learning about:
- Aboriginal Peoples knowledges of Country
- Aboriginal objects and stories
Kindergarten to Year 2 program
Learning activities
Session 1: Traditional games
Students take part in fun, active games played by Aboriginal children for generations, building teamwork, coordination, and cultural understanding. Each game connects to Country and highlights the importance of cooperation and community.
Session 2: Bush resorces talk
Students explore how Aboriginal People have used the land for food, tools, and shelter for thousands of years. They learn about the deep knowledge of plants, animals, and Country that continues to guide sustainable living today.
Session 3: Wuny-unga story and walk
On a guided walk, students listen to a local story connected to Country. They participate in a variety of engaging, hands-on activities as they learn.
Session 4: Ochre artworks
Students learn about ochre and how Aboriginal people use it. Students will then look at different animals from the local area and their tracks or footprints. Using an ochre mixture, students can paint the different animal tracks.
Suggested timetable
| Time | Class A & B | Class C & D |
| 9.30am | Session 1 | Session 3 |
| 10.15am | Session 2 | Session 4 |
| 11.00am | Break 1 | |
| 11.30am | Session 3 | Session 1 |
| 12.15pm | Session 4 | Session 2 |
| 1.00pm | Finish | |
*NOTE: Gibberagong staff can work within established school times on the day. Please contact the Centre to discuss.
Syllabus outcomes
Human Society and Its Environment K-6 Syllabus (2024)
ES1 Outcome
- HSE-ACH-01 identifies ways that Aboriginal Peoples connect with Country, Culture and Community
Content
Aboriginal Peoples are the Traditional Custodians of Country
- Describe natural features of land, water and sky Country by engaging with Aboriginal Dreaming Stories and Languages
Aboriginal Peoples are connected to Country
- Engage with Cultural objects to identify information about the past in the present
Stage 1 Outcome
- HS1-ACH-01 describes interactions between Aboriginal Peoples and Country
Content
Aboriginal Peoples have a responsibility to Country
- 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
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 ways in which Aboriginal Peoples share and celebrate their Cultures and Histories
Cost and details
| Location | Your school |
| Cost |
2026 DoE $15 per student - GST free 2026 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750 per class. |
| Risk Assessments | A complete risk assessment will be sent upon confirmation. |
| Preparation |
Please provide the following school areas:
|
| Adverse weather | On days where the weather may unsuitable, a Gibberagong staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangments. |
| Medical notifications | Notify Gibberagong EEC by completing and returning the medical form before the incursion. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking. |
Year 3 to Year 6 program
Learning activities
Session 1: Traditional games
Students take part in fun, active games played by Aboriginal children for generations, building teamwork, coordination, and cultural understanding. Each game connects to Country and highlights the importance of cooperation and community.
Session 2: Bush resorces talk
Students explore how Aboriginal People have used the land for food, tools, and shelter for thousands of years. They learn about the deep knowledge of plants, animals, and Country that continues to guide sustainable living today.
Session 3: Traditional fire making
Students listen to a Dreaming story about creating fire. They then learn all about traditional fire use and try to make fire using the hand drill method and natural materials.
Session 4: Ochre artworks
Students learn about ochre and how Aboriginal people use it. Students will then look at different animals from the local area and their tracks or footprints. Using an ochre mixture, students can paint the different animal tracks.
Suggested timetable
| Time | Class A & B | Class C & D |
| 9.30am | Session 1 | Session 3 |
| 10.15am | Session 2 | Session 4 |
| 11.00am | Break 1 | |
| 11.30am | Session 3 | Session 1 |
| 12.15pm | Session 4 | Session 2 |
| 1.00pm | Finish | |
*NOTE: Gibberagong staff can work within established school times on the day. Please contact the Centre to discuss.
Syllabus outcomes
Human Society and Its Environment K-6 Syllabus (2024)
Stage 2 Outcome
- 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
Stage 3 Outcome
- HS3-ACH-01 describes Aboriginal Knowledges and Practices that care for Country and the importance of Aboriginal Languages revival
Aboriginal Cultural Knowledges and Practices that care for Country
- Explain the importance of undertaking Cultural obligations to Country as part of the continuation of Aboriginal Cultures
- Explain how Aboriginal Peoples’ Cultural Knowledges of fire are used to organise, manage and interact with Country
Cost and details
| Location | Your school |
| Cost |
2026 DoE $15 per student - GST free 2026 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750 per class. |
| Risk Assessments | A complete risk assessment will be sent upon confirmation. |
| Preparation |
Please provide the following school areas:
|
| Adverse weather | On days where the weather may unsuitable, a Gibberagong staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangments. |
| Medical notifications | Notify Gibberagong EEC by completing and returning the medical form before the incursion. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking. |