Stage 1 HSIE Geography | Aboriginal Connections and Cultures excursion
Georges River EEC
Program overview
The Aboriginal Connections and Cultures excursion is a Stage 1 HSIE Geography program for Year 1 and Year 2 students to learn about the enduring connections of Aboriginal Peoples to Georges River Country. This authentic learning on Country experience has been developed with Aboriginal consultation and cultural permissions. It provides an opportunity to share stories and knowledges from Georges River Country.
Students explore Aboriginal peoples' spiritual, cultural and physical connections to Country through storytelling, hands-on activities and nature-based learning. They discover local plants, animals and significant sites of land Country and water Country at Oatley Park. Students interact with traditional objects and engage with traditional practices using replica objects for nature based play.
Set in parklands and bushland this outdoor learning experience encourages curiosity, respect for Aboriginal Cultures, and environmental stewardship. Students are encouraged to bring a healthy, litter-free lunch.
Engage in caring for Country and active citizenship with the Zero litter in Georges River learning resources.
This program enriches HSIE Stage 1 – Unit 3 of the NSW Department of Education HSIE sample units.
Learning intentions
- We are learning how Aboriginal Peoples connect to Country through spiritual, physical and Cultural ways.
- We are learning that Aboriginal Peoples have a responsibility to care for Country.
- We are learning about the Aboriginal peoples connections to the Georges River.
Program information
Student activities
Student activities are differentiated, inclusive and may vary depending on the conditions.
Listen to Country
Today Country is our teacher. Students listen to its stories, and observe seasonal indicators, plants, animals and waterways. Students learn that caring for Country begins with respect, observation and connection.
River connections
Engage with Dreaming stories on the river foreshore at Jewfish Bay to learn about water plants and animals and the significance of waterways for local Aboriginal peoples. Students use raffia to learn the traditional practice of stringing and its usage and make a string connection bracelet.
Significant sites
Students go on a bushwalk to see rock shelters, caves, ring trees and the many significant plants of water Country and land Country. Students go in search of fallen eucalypt sticks to make music and sing on Country.
Aboriginal tools
Students interact with traditional tools, tools that have been gifted to us for safe keeping. Students are able to use boomerangs, replica woomeras and child-friendly wooden mortar and pestles to grind seeds. Replica coolamons are used to engage with ways bark coolamons were used in the past.
All activities are lead by experienced teachers, are age-appropriate and designed to support participation and enjoyment for Stage 1 students.
Suggested timetable
| Time | Classes 1 and 3 | Classes 2 and 4 |
| 9.30am | Arrival - introduction, recess and toilets | |
| 10.00am - 12.00pm | River foreshore and parkland activities | Storytelling and tools |
| 12.00pm - 12.30pm | Picnic lunch and toilets | |
| 12.30am - 2.00pm | Storytelling and tools | River foreshore and parkland activities |
| 2.00pm | Conclude and depart |
Syllabus outcomes and content
Human Society and its Environment K–6 Syllabus (2024)
Focus area outcome
People are connected to places and groups
- HS1-ACH-01 describes interactions between Aboriginal Peoples and Country
- HS1-GEO-01 describes ways people connect to and care for places, water environments and each other, using geographical information
Content groups
Aboriginal Peoples have a responsibility to Country
- Identify how Aboriginal Country is represented in a range of contexts
- Describe ways in which Aboriginal Peoples use Knowledge of land, water and sky Country in everyday life
- Recognise Aboriginal Peoples’ responsibility to Country can incorporate physical, spiritual and Cultural connections
People care for Australia's water environments
- Explain how people can use and care for water responsibly
- Identify ways that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples value water Country and Place
Human Society and its Environment K-6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024
Teacher information
Cost 2026 |
NSW Department of Education schools $22 per student Non-government schools $28 per student The total cost of the program will be based on the number of students confirmed at least 3 working days before your program. If the number of students is not confirmed by this time, the total cost will be calculated using the number of students listed on the original booking form or the actual number of students who attend, whichever is greater. An Interschool Journal request or sales order will then be prepared and sent to your school for payment. |
Student numbers |
Recommended maximum 4 classes with up to 30 students per class. |
Risk management plan |
Risk assessment provided in location tile. |
Bring |
School first aid kits, student medication and ASCIA action plans Low waste food and water bottle Sun protection - hats and sunblock Insect repellent |
Clothing |
Sports uniform Sports shoes Raincoat in case of wet weather. Please no umbrellas. |
Staff and student welfare |
The program requires walking through parklands. The site is fully accessible but may not be suitable for recently unwell participants. For medical or special needs notify staff prior to program. |
Extreme or wet weather |
In general, our staff are prepared to complete learning programs in varied weather conditions except where health and safety could be compromised. School staff should assess the appropriateness of the visit with poor conditions and discuss with our centre staff as soon as possible. In the event of cancellation, we will do our best to find an alternative date. Please view our trigger points for postponement and cancellation. |
Trigger points for cancellation |
See our bookings page |
Cancellation policy |
Cancellation or major changes to bookings will incur the following cancellation fees:
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Location
Oatley Park
Location information – bus access and walking trail maps, risk management plans and track overview.
Ready to visit?
Book your Stage 1 excursion
Check availability on our calendar and complete our booking form to book your excursion.
Contact us
Contact our friendly staff to ask a question, plan a visit or find out more about what we offer.