School incursion

School incursion: Living Country, living culture

Far South Coast

NPWS Aboriginal guide paints a young student's face. Photo: Wolumla PS. © OEH

Overview

Learn about Aboriginal culture from the convenience of your classroom in this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) HSIE cross-curricular incursion. An Aboriginal guide will help students understand the importance of culture and caring for Country.

Living Country, living culture can be delivered at your school for Stage 2 students, focusing on HSIE. This is an interactive incursion for young students, with sensory and hands-on activities.

Students can look forward to a fun day of learning about the culture and Country of the Yuin People, led by a local Aboriginal guide. They’ll find out about bush tucker and medicine, the role of women in Yuin culture, traditional weaving, art, music and dance, and how the Yuin People manage and protect Country.

Aboriginal people have been walking the earth for thousands of years. They continue to have a strong connection to country, and traditional practices and stories play an important part in modern life. Students will come away with an appreciation of the rich Aboriginal culture that exists in their region. They'll make fundamental links between traditional stories, land, Country and languages.

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

Stage	Stage 2 (Years 3-4)
Learning area	HSIE
Student outcomes	GE2-1. Examines features and characteristics of places and environments GE2-2. Describes the ways people, places and environments interact HT2-2. Describes and explains how significant individuals, groups and events contributed to changes in the local community over time HT2-3. Describes people, events and actions related to world exploration and its effects ST2-4LW-S. Compares features and characteristics of living and non-living things ST2-2DP-T. Selects and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity
Objectives	Students will: Recognise that Aboriginal people are the first Australians Investigate the connections that the Yuin People have to the land, sea and animals of this place Hear stories to understand why this place is important to Yuin People and how it can be cared for Find out how Yuin People describe the weather and the seasons Engage with local Aboriginal culture through fun learning activities Use paints from natural ochres Collect bush materials to make traditional toys Have the opportunity to ask questions of a local Aboriginal guide Understand the different roles within a traditional Aboriginal community Listen to Aboriginal stories of family, culture and place Learn how Aboriginal people relate to the local environment around them, and why this is so fundamental to life Understand methods and materials used in Aboriginal art Reflect on what may be learned by modern Australians from Aboriginal life

Excursion details

When: Monday to Friday, during school term.
Availability: Available on request, subject to staff availability.
Where: Far South Coast
Duration: 1-2 hr
Price: $350 per group of 25 students. $14 per extra student, up to maximum group of 30 students.
Meeting point: Our NPWS Aboriginal guide will come to your class.
Booking: If you would like to organise a NPWS school incursion 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-school-incursion-hsie-living-country-living-culture-south-coast/local-alerts

Operated by

School incursion inquiries - Far South Coast
02 6495 5000
discovery.scr@environment.nsw.gov.au

Park info

in School incursion: Living Country, living culture

See more info for teachers

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about School incursion: Living Country, living culture.

Program outline

Welcome and introductions, acknowledgment and safety talk
Weaving activity
Bush food activity
Cultural interpretation
Storytelling, music and dance
Ochre face-painting
Wrap up

What to bring

We recommend everyone wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Maps and downloads

School incursion: Living Country, living culture 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.

Accessibility

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.