Learning activities

Peats Ferry Road investigation

Students will explore Hornsby’s main street to investigate how different businesses and services contribute to the suburb’s liveability. Students will label, categorise and graph local businesses and identify which services or amenities might be missing, encouraging critical thinking about how a mix of businesses supports community needs and liveability.

Field sketch

Students will complete a field sketch of the main street incorporating the height of buildings, facade of buildings, street plantings and discuss changes over time.

Walking tour

During a walking tour of the local area, students will make liveability observations and use geographic tools to measure social connectedness, environmental quality and community identity.

Students may use the information gathered throughout the day to rank the precinct against other places using a liveability index and make a plan for the future liveability of this place (to be completed back at school).

Suggested timetable

Time	Class A, B	Class C, D
10.00am	Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day Revise completed prework
10.20am	Recess
10.40am	Field sketch at cenotaph Main street investigation Liveability walking tour
12.00pm	Lunch
12.30pm	Environmental testing Hornsby Park Walk to Cenotaph Fieldwork testing Introduce design project
2.00pm	Conclusion and depart

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

Syllabus outcomes

Geography 7-10 Syllabus (2015)

Outcomes

• GE4-1 locates and describes the diverse features and characetristcis of a range of places and environments
• GE4-3 explains how interactions and connections between people, places and environments result in change
• GE4-4 examines perspectives of people and organisations on a range of geographical issues
• GE4-6
• GE4-7 acquires and processes geographical information by selecting and using geographical tools for inquiry
• GE4-8 communicates geographical information using a variety of strategies

Content

Influences and perceptions

Students investigate factors influencing perceptions of the liveability of places

Access to services and facilities

Students investigate the influence of accessibility to services and facilities on the liveability of places

Environmental quality

Students investigate the impact of environmental quality on the liveability of places

Community

Students investigate the influence of social connectedness and community identity on the liveability of places

Enhancing liveability

Students investigate strategies used to enhance the liveability of places using examples from different countries

Cost and details

Transport	Meet at the Cenotaph grass next to Hornsby train station and bus interchange. Hornsby west side is easily accessible by both train and local bus routes.
Cost	2026 DoE $20 per student - GST free 2026 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750 per class
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.
Accessibility/toilets	Toilets are available at the train station and in Hornsby park, where the students will have lunch. The walking tour is wheelchair accessible, and the total distance is just over 1km on paved, flat ground.
What to bring	Backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes, mask. 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.