School excursion

Aboriginal culture

Blue Gum Hills Regional Park

Overview

Aboriginal culture is a Stage 3 (Years 5-6) Geography school excursion, exploring the beautiful natural and built environments of Blue Gum Hills Regional Park. Through first-hand experiences, you'll learn about the culture of Aboriginal People - how they lived, what resources they used and the significance of the land and Dreamtime stories.

Stage	Stage 3 (Years 5-6)
Learning area	Geography
Student outcomes	GE3-1. Describes the diverse features and characteristics of places and environments GE3-2. Explains interactions and connections between people, places and environments GE3-3. Compares and contrasts influences on the management of places and environments
Objectives	Students will: Recognise that Aboriginal people are the first Australians Investigate the connections that the Aboriginal People have to the land, sea and animals of this place Hear stories to understand why this place is important to Aboriginal People and how it can be cared for Find out how Aboriginal People describe the weather and the seasons Locate the places they know to create a sense of place Engage with local Aboriginal culture through fun learning activities Have the opportunity to ask questions of a local Aboriginal Person.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays all year.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Blue Gum Hills Regional Park in North Coast
Duration: 2-4 hr
Grading: Medium. Guided activities in a suburban national park, on formed and uneven bush walking tracks, and on a grassed picnic area.
Price: $225 per group (includes GST). Maximum 30 students per group. For groups over 30 conditions apply.
Accessibility: Medium
Meeting point: Blue Gum Hills Regional Park carpark, off Minmi Road, 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-3-hsie-aboriginal-culture-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 Aboriginal culture .

Program outline

Welcome, introductions, safety briefing and acknowledgement
Bush walk –environment and culture
Morning tea
Aboriginal cultural activities*
Local dreamtime stories
Conclusion and farewell

*Cultural activities can include: weapons and tools, bush foods or art.

Getting there and parking

Blue Gum Hills Regional Park is located off Minmi Rd, Minmi.

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

Aboriginal 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.

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.