Stage 4 Geography | Fieldwork skills excursion

Student activities

Student activities are differentiated, inclusive and may vary depending on the conditions.

Landscapes and landforms features

What are the features and characteristics of Sydney sandstone geological landscapes?

A variety of maps, QR codes, magnifying equipment, weather instruments and identification charts are utilised to collect geographical information in the field.

Soil testing

What soil is this?

Students investigate soils, sediments and sand and the processes of weathering, erosion and deposition. Soil pH, texture, colour and moisture tests are conducted to draw conclusions on contemporary land use.

Water testing

Is it safe to swim here?

Water cycle experiments are conducted to assess water flows on a slope to guide an inquiry into water quality in Sydney's Georges River. Water testing equipment is used to determine primary and secondary use. Results provide insight to how water sports in Sydney support the liveability of places.

Sensory mapping

How do natural areas influence liveability of places and human wellbeing?

Multi-sensory observations are recorded spatially and analysed to draw conclusions.

Aboriginal Peoples’ Custodianship, care and management of Country

Oatley Park contains remnant bushland and sites of cultural significance. Students learn about Aboriginal ways of caring and managing Country.

Riverside picnic

Please bring a waste free recess and lunch for outdoor eating. Please note there are no retail stores to purchase food at the site.

All activities are lead by experienced teachers, are age-appropriate and designed to support participation and enjoyment for Stage 4 students.

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4
9.30am	Arrival - introduction, recess and toilets
10.00am - 11.30am	Bushland and river foreshore activities
11.30am - 12.00pm	Lunch and toilets
12.00pm - 1.30pm	Bushland and river foreshore activities
1.30pm - 2.00pm	Snack, conclude and depart

Syllabus outcomes and content

Geography 7-10 Syllabus (2024)

Geographical inquiry skills

Acquiring geographical information

• Identify an issue, problem or challenge
• Formulate geographical questions
• Plan an inquiry that identifies appropriate geographical methods and concepts
• Collect, select and record relevant geographical data and information from a variety of sources, using ethical practices

Geographical tools

Maps, fieldwork, data and graphs, spatial technologies and geographical representations.

Stage 4 Outcomes

Primary data collected during fieldwork will support in class analysis and supports:

• GE4-DFC-01 locates the diverse features and describes the characteristics of a range of places and environments
• GE4-PRI-01 explains the processes and interactions that change people, places and environments
• GE4-PER-01 examines and describes the perspectives of people and organisations on a range of geographical issues
• GE4-MAN-01 explains the management and protection of places and environments
• GE4-APC-01 explains Aboriginal Peoples’ Custodianship, care and management of Country
• GE4-TAP-01 selects and uses geographical tools to acquire and process geographical information
• GE4-COM-01 uses concepts and terminology to communicate geographical information for a range of purposes, audiences and contexts

Stage 4 Content

Thinking and working geographically

• Use relevant geographical concepts
• Engage in geographical inquiry using geographical information
• Use relevant geographical tools.

Geography 7-10 Syllabus (2024) © 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. Location information
Bring	School first aid kits, student medication and ASCIA action plans Low waste food and water bottle - there are no retail stores for purchasing food on site. 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: within 30 days of excursion or incursion date - $600 administration fee charged within 7 days of excursion/incursion date - total fee charged based on confirmed student numbers. Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0