Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre

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S4 Places and liveability

S4 Landscapes and Landforms

Places and liveability excursion

Stage 4 Geography

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Overview

This excursion involves investigating the liveability of the west side of Hornsby using authentic, hands-on fieldwork techniques. It involves a walking tour starting and finishing at Hornsby train/bus station.  Pre and post excursion activities can also form an integral part of this investigation, focussing on comparing the liveability of different places, and what improves the liveability of a place for different demographics.

Students will use a liveability index to evaluate and rank the precinct by assessing economic activity along the shopping strip and surrounds, services and facilities that provide social quality, the urban quality of the housing, the environmental quality of the streetscape and natural features and social connectedness and community identity in the area. 

Fieldwork skills include collecting data about liveability by using geographic tools such as mapping, fieldwork sketches, environmental measuring equipment, surveying and photograph interpretation.

 

Hornsby the rose walkway
The Bakery

Inquiry questions

How can we use fieldwork techniques to acquire, process and communicate information about the livability of Hornsby west side?

What businesses, services and facilities are there at Hornsby west side and how do they help make this place livable?

What characteristics and factors contribute to community identity and social connection here?

What effect does environmental quality have on people’s wellbeing?

What would make this place more livable?

Excursion location

click on the image below for more information

Hornsby

During the fieldwork excursion, students will:

  • acquire, process and communicate geographic information to answer the inquiry questions about liveability in this place.

  • Learn about and use geographic tools including map reading, photo interpretation, field sketching, use of measuring tools such as sound meters, light meters, digital weather meters etc.

  • use a liveability index to assess the precinct and use this to rank it against other places (back at school).

  • gather information including photographs to develop a plan for the future liveability of this place (to be completed back at school).

Sample Timetable

NOTE: Maximum of 4 classes can attend this excursion. 

  Class A
10.00am

Meeting at Cenotaph grass next to Hornsby train station and bus interchange

Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome,

Overview of the day

Revise completed prework
10.20am Recess  at Cenotaph park toilets at Hornsby train station
10.40am

1. Field sketch at cenotaph

2. Main street investigation

3. Livability walking tour
12.00pm  Lunch and toilets Hornsby Park

12.30pm

 

 

1. Environmental testing Hornsby Park

2. Walk to Cenotaph. Repeat fieldwork testing 

3. Introduce design project
1.45pm Conclusion
2.00pm Depart

 

Excursion locations

Hornsby - West Side

Students will start and finish the excursion in Cenotaph Park, just outside Hornsby train station.
Transport

Hornsby west side is easily accessible by both train and local bus routes. 

A bus map will be sent upon booking. 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. 
Class numbers and size

Up to 4 classes

Max. 30 students per class
Risk Assessments

View the sample risk assessment

A complete risk assessment will be sent upon confirmation
Accessibility/toilets

Toilets are available at the train station and in Hornsby park, where the students will have lunch.

The walking tour is wheelchair accessible, and the total distance is just over 1km on paved, flat ground.
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.

2015 Syllabus
Places and liveability outcomes

A student:

›   locates and describes the diverse features and characteristics of a range of places and environments GE4-1

›   explains how interactions and connections between people, places and environments result in change GE4-3

›   examines perspectives of people and organisations on a range of geographical issues GE4-4

›   explains differences in human wellbeing GE4-6

›   acquires and processes geographical information by selecting and using geographical tools for inquiry GE4-7

›   communicates geographical information using a variety of strategies GE4-8

 

Key inquiry questions

  • Why do people’s perceptions of the liveability of places vary?
  • What effect does environmental quality and access to services have on people’s wellbeing?
  • How can strong community identity and social connectedness enhance the liveability of places?
  • What approaches can be used to improve the liveability of places?

 

Content focus

Students discuss factors that influence people’s perceptions of the liveability of places. They investigate features and characteristics of places across a range of scales that support and enhance people’s wellbeing such as community identity, environmental quality and access to services and facilities. Students assess the liveability of places and propose strategies to enhance the liveability of a place in Australia.

 

Geography 7-10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2015

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