Vista across an Aboriginal engraving site looking towards Pittwater and the Pacific Ocean beyond
The ancient past excursion | Stage 4 History
Students sitting on rock lookout
Aboriginal fire sticks

Program

This Stage 4 History excursion offers students an immersive experience that aligns with the History syllabus (2024), focusing on Historical context 1 (core): The ancient past.

During the excursion program, students will have an opportunity to learn about the local Aboriginal peoples, cultural heritage sites, objects and Aboriginal knowledges.

Learning intentions

Students are learning about:

Key information

Learning activities

Bush resources talk

The bush resources talk provides the students with an opportunity to discover some of the traditional tools and resources that are found in the area. Students will use Aboriginal Peoples’ Cultural Knowledges of fire to experiment with fire making techniques.

Aboriginal engraving site 1

At the first engraving site, students will learn how Aboriginal petroglyphs are the narratives of Country and intertwine with oral traditions. Students will learn how past and present management practices have impacted on these sites and the different methods of preserving, conserving and protecting these ancient archaeological sites.

Aboriginal engraving site 2

At the second engraving site, students will learn about Aboriginal lore and responsibilities within community, including the interconnectedness of social systems for the local Aboriginal people. They will gain an understanding of archaeological evidence and oral traditions indicating Aboriginal occupation of Australia for millennia.

Country in context

The students will visit a lookout that offers them the opportunity to understand Country in context. The geographical features of local Country and the connection to the Aboriginal people of this area will be discussed and students will have an opportunity to sit and reflect on these concepts while overlooking Country.

Suggested timetable

Time Classes A, B Classes C, D
10.00am Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day
10.10am Aboriginal engraving site 1
11.10am Morning Tea
11.30am Bush resources talk Aboriginal cultural sites visit
12.15pm Aboriginal cultural sites visit Bush resources talk
1.00pm Lunch
1.20pm Walk to lookout
2.00pm Conclusion and depart

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

With multiple locations, the school is able to host up to 8 classes on one day

Syllabus outcomes

History 7-10 Syllabus (2024)

Outcomes

A student:

  • HI4-CON-01 describes continuity and change over a period of time in relation to a historical context

Content

The ancient past

Value of landscapes and landforms

Students learn about:

  • sources of evidence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ Histories and Cultures

    • Archaeological evidence and Oral traditions indicating Aboriginal occupation of Australia for millennia.
  • different methods of preserving and conserving archaeological and historical remains, including the impact on the management and protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Cultural heritage sites, objects and Knowledges

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 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, 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.

Excursion locations

With multiple locations, the school is able to host up to 8 classes on one day.