Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

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

S4 The ancient past excursion

S4 Landscapes and Landforms

The ancient past excursion

Stage 4 History

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This Stage 4 History excursion offers students an immersive experience that aligns with the new (2024) History syllabus, 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.

Aboriginal Education
Firesticks

Syllabus inquiry questions

How can historical sources such as art, iconography, oral tradition and archaeological artefacts be used to gain insight into the past?

What are the key features of Aboriginal Cultures, Knowledges and Histories, and how do they contribute to our understanding of ancient societies?

What are the reasons behind the removal of cultural artefacts, and what are the social, cultural and ethical implications of this practice?

Excursion locations

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

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

Muogamarra
West Head

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.  

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

Sample Timetable

NOTE: Variations to timetable based on specific location, number of students and weather. The centre can host up to 8 classes at multiple sites

Example - West Head 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 West Head lookout
2.00pm Conclusion and depart

 

Excursion locations

Muogamarra Nature Reserve, Cowan (Terms 2 and 3 only)

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 4 classes at one sight

Up to 8 classes over multiple sites

Max. 30 students per class
Risk Assessments

View the sample risk assessment

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 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.

History 7-10 Syllabus 

Outcomes

A student:

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

Content

The ancient past

Students:

  • investigate different landscapes and the geomorphic processes that create distinctive landforms, for example: (ACHGK048, ACHGK050)

        - idenification of a variety of landscapes and landforms

        - explanation of geomorphic processes that create landforms eg weathering, erosion, deposition

        - examination of ONE landscape and its distinctive landforms

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

History 7-10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024

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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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