Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

Wonder, Engage, Inspire

Telephone02 9457 8245

Emailgibberagon-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Bush Survival Skills

Kinds in nature

PDHPE

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Overview

Do your students have the skills needed to survive in the bush? Students will travel to an area in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park where they will learn about some of the bush skills required to survive in the bush.

Kids in nature
Open forest previously burnt West Head

Inquiry questions

How can I build a simple shelter in the bush?

What are some of the bush foods that are found in the area?

How can I use a map to find items located in the bush?

Excursion locations

This program is offered at the following locations. Click on an image to find out more.

*Note: Excursions at Muogamarra operate in Terms 2 and 3 only.

Muogamarra Nature Reserve
West Head

Emergency Shelter building

Building an emergency shelter is an important skill that can be crucial if ever caught out in the bush overnight. Working as a small team, students must construct a shelter using a tarp, ropes, pegs and any natural resources around them. Students must work together to design and build their shelter, using the skills of the whole group.

Bushwalk

The bush walk 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 provided tools, medicine and food to the local Aboriginal Peoples. Students will hear of the interconnected nature of traditional Aboriginal people and the land.

During the walk, students will also need to respond to an incident that requires the students to apply first aid.

Mapping skills

Students will learn how to orientate a map. They will then use their map to locate a number of items in the bush that are required to be packed into a bag as part of a safe bush walk.

NOTE: Variations to timetable based on specific location, group size and weather

Time Class A Class B Class C
10.00am Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day
10.10am Morning Tea
10.30am Emergency Shelter building Bush walk and first aid Mapping skills
11.30pm Mapping skills Emergency Shelter building Bush walk and first aid
1.2.30pm Lunch
1.00pm Bush walk and first aid Mapping skills Emergency Shelter building
2.00pm Conclusion and depart

Download the program flyer

Excursion locations

Muogamarra

West Head
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

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 3 classes 

Max. 30 students per class
Risk Assessments

View the sample risk assessment

A complete risk assessment will be sent upon confirmation.
Social Stories

Muogamarra

West Head 
Supporting Resources
 Student activities (coming soon)
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 arrangments.
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.

PDHPE K-10 Syllabus 

Outcomes

A student:

> investigates and participates in physical activities to promote the benefits of physical activity on health and wellbeing PD2-8

> Demonstrates self management skills to respond to their own and others’ actions PD2-9

> demonstrates a range of interpersonal skills that build and enhance relationships and promote inclusion in various situation? PD2-10

Content

Healthy, Safe and Active Lifestyles

  • participate in physical activities in natural environments in the local area and reflect on the enjoyable components of participation, eg outdoor recreation
  • identify and practise strategies to promote health, safety and wellbeing

 

Health, Wellbeing and Relationships

  • explain how persistence and meeting challenges strengthens identity
  • explore how overcoming a challenge or adversity can unite a group of diverse people
  • make positive contributions to group activities, for example:

    - work in a group to achieve a set task or goal

PDHPE K-10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2018

Related content

Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

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We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We would like to pay our respects to the Elders, past, present and emerging and acknowledge our Aboriginal Elders and knowledge holders who have helped us to understand the special connection Aboriginal Peoples have with the land.

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