Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

Wonder, Engage, Inspire

Telephone02 9457 8245

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

S6 Aboriginal studies excursion

Aboriginal studies excursion

Stage 6 Aboriginal studies

This Stage 6 Aboriginal Studies excursion offers students an immersive experience that aligns with the Aboriginal Studies syllabus, focusing on Aboriginal peoples’ relationship to Country.

During the excursion program, students will have an opportunity to learn about the local Aboriginal peoples, the importance of Country and the interrelationship between Country, lore and culture.

NOTE: This program is also offered as an overnight program


Inquiry questions

How are the Aboriginal sites evidence of Aboriginal people’s lifestyles across local Country and the interrelationship between responsibility and lore?

How have policies and legislation impacted on Aboriginal peoples' expressions of Country?

Why is it important to involve Aboriginal people’s knowledge in the management process?


Excursion locations

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


Bush resources walk

The bush resources 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 provide tools, medicine and food to the local Aboriginal Peoples. Students will hear of the interrelationship between Country and culture for the local Aboriginal people.

Aboriginal engraving site 1

At the first engraving site, students will learn how Aboriginal engravings are the narratives of Country. They will learn why and how engravings are created and how we continue to care for these places, and how past and present management practices have impacted on these 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.

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.

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

Download the program flyer

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.

Aboriginal Studies 11-12 Syllabus 

Outcomes

A student:

> identifies different viewpoints about invasion and colonisation including the concept of shared histories between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples P1.1

> explains the meaning of the Dreaming to Aboriginal peopless P2.1

> explains the importance of Country and the interrelationship between Country, culture, economic life and social systems for Aboriginal and other Indigenous peoples P2.2

Content

Aboriginality and the land

Students lean about:

  • Aboriginal peoples’ relationship to Country  

  • key concepts including: Country, Dreaming, customary lore, traditional law  

  • relationship of Country to peoples, cultures, spirituality, health and lifestyles

 

Aboriginal Studies 11-12 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2015


Program Resources