Inquiry questions
Who lived here first and how do we know?
What was life like for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples before the arrival of the Europeans?
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.
At West Head, this will be presented by Uncle Laurie Bimson, Guringai man and descendant of Bungaree, leader of the Guringai tribe at the time of European arrival.
Bush resource walk
The bushwalk 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.
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.
Sample Timetable
NOTE: Variations to timetable based on specific location
| Time |
Classes A, B |
Classes 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 |
Shelter building |
| 1.00pm |
Lunch |
| 1.30pm |
Bushwalk |
| 2.00pm |
Conclusion and depart |
Teacher Information
Download the program flyer
| Excursion locations |
Muogamarra Nature Reserve
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 |
2023 DoE $15 per student - GST free
2023 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $575 per class.
NOTE: National Parks entry is $1.10 per student in addition
|
| Class numbers and size |
Up to 4 classes
Max. 30 students per class
|
| Risk Assessments |
Muogamarra Nature Reserve
West Head
COVID
|
| Social Stories |
Muogamarra
West Head
|
Supporting Resources
|
Student activities |
| 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. |
Syllabus outcomes and content
Geography K-10 Syllabus
Outcomes
A student:
> examines features and characteristics of places and environments GE2-1
> describes the ways people, places and environments interact GE2-2
> examines differing perceptions about the management of places and environments GE2-3
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
A student:
> describes and explains effects of British colonisations in Australia HT2-4
> applies skills of historical inquiry and communication HT2-5
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:
Geography K-10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2015
History K-10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2012
