School excursion

The earth's environment

Blue Gum Hills Regional Park

Overview

Did you know that over 10 per cent of NSW is a national park? That’s over 7 million hectares. This Stage 2 (Years 3-4) earth’s environment Geography excursion is delivered at Blue Gum Hills Regional Park.

Read more about The earth's environment

Discover the significance of the environment at Blue Gum Hills Regional Park and the important interrelationships between humans and nature.

Students will look at why people visit this area and the many activities they can enjoy while learning about the critical role national parks play in preserving our unique native plants, animals and rich cultural heritage.

Students will learn about Aboriginal culture, their connection to Country and the importance of National Parks in protecting heritage.

We’ll look at some of the key, human-led threats to native species and places. By examining these threats we’ll invoke a strong sense of the role students - our future environmental leaders - can play in preserving these important places for the future.

For program outline, safety and practical information about this excursion, see info for teachers

Stage	Stage 2 (Years 3-4)
Learning area	Geography
Student outcomes	GE2-1. Examines features and characteristics of places and environments GE2-2. Describes the ways people, places and environments interact GE2-3. Examines differing perceptions about the management of places and environments GE2-4. Acquires and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry
Objectives	Students will: Explore and identify some features of a national park Visit sites and understand how national parks protect different types of heritage Identify the roles of workers in managing a park Appreciate the integral nature between Aboriginal Culture and their Country Investigate the Observe evidence of human activities and interactions Identify ways to help conserve and protect our heritage.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays (all year).
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Blue Gum Hills Regional Park in North Coast
Duration: 4hrs
Grading: Medium. Guided activities in a suburban national park, on formed and uneven bush walking tracks, and on a grassed picnic area.
Price: 4 hours for $380 per group (includes GST). Shorter tours are available. Maximum 30 students per group. For groups over 30 conditions apply.
Accessibility: Medium
Meeting point: Blue Gum Hills Regional Park carpark, off Minmi Rd, Minmi.
Equipment provided: Yes
Booking: If you would like to organise a NPWS school excursion please get in touch with local staff or use the 'Enquire' link for the online form.

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/education/stage-2-geography-earths-environment-blue-gum-hills-regional-park/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Newcastle Hunter
02 4927 3267
discovery.newcastlehunter@environment.nsw.gov.au
Hunter Wetland Centre, Sandgate Road, Shortland NSW

Park info

in Blue Gum Hills Regional Park in the North Coast region
Blue Gum Hills Regional Park is open 7.30am to 8pm during daylight savings (7.30am to 5pm at other times), but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

See more info for teachers

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about The earth's environment.

Program outline

Welcome, introductions, safety briefing and acknowledgement of Country – 15mins
Bushwalk investigating the open forest environment – 40mins
Bushwalk investigating cultural heritage – 30mins
Morning tea – 15mins
Bushwalk investigating mining heritage sites – 30mins
Return walk investigating habitats along the way – 40mins
Lunch – 40mins
Role play looking at different jobs in NSW National Parks – 20mins
Conclusion and farewell – 10mins

Getting there and parking

What to bring

Please wear fully enclosed shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, wet weather gear, and lunch which should be low waste with a refillable water bottle. Students should bring gear in a backpack or similar (not plastic bags).

Maps and downloads

The earth's environment factsheet

Safety messages

Pre activity briefing: participants will be briefed at the start of the activity/day.

Safety equipment: NPWS staff carry radios and first aid kits, hold current first aid certificates and are aware of emergency procedures.

Staff accreditation: NPWS staff have current Senior First Aid accreditation. They are experienced in working with groups of students in the natural environment and have excellent knowledge of the specific areas they are visiting including potential hazards. NPWS is committed to a Child Safe and Friendly Environment. Our staff have been screened for child-related employment and have completed a Working with Children Check.

Emergencies: NPWS staff are trained to deal with emergencies and emergency procedures are in place. Ongoing supervision of a student following first aid treatment will be the responsibility of the visiting school.

Risk assessment and risk benefits

Our rangers and guides have the technical skill and experience to assess the risks and the benefits of a variety of activities delivered as part of our learning programs.

We believe in including opportunities that allow students to learn and experience for themselves through exploration in the natural environment.

Please make your own risk assessment based on the information provided. Detailed potential risks and controls are provided for the site to assist teachers in risk management planning. Teachers and carers should be aware of, and consider the needs, abilities and medical conditions of students when visiting this site. The supervision of students remains the responsibility of the teacher. The school must ensure an adequate number of adult supervisors are present.

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

Wheelchair facilities include disabled toilets, parking and picnic access. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.