Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

Wonder, Engage, Inspire

Telephone02 9457 8245

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

Bush Survival Skills

PDHPE

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.


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.

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 PD3-8

> applies and adapts self management skills to respond to personal and group situations PD3-9

> demonstrates a range of interpersonal skills that build and enhance relationships and promote inclusion in various situation PD3-10

Content

Healthy, Safe and Active Lifestyles

  • recommend appropriate actions to improve health, safety, wellbeing or physical activity issues within the school or wider community, for example:

    - suggest and practise action plans for emergency situations to ensure the safety of themselves and others, eg basic first aid

    - observe and explain how individual strengths and teamwork contribute to achieving success in physical activities

    - discuss how safe participation in outdoor activities creates connections to natural and built environments

Movement skill and performance

  • participate positively in groups and teams by encouraging others and negotiating roles and responsibilities, for example:(ACPMP067)

    - respond appropriately to others when working in small groups on movement tasks or challenges

 

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