School excursion

Bush art

Stage 1 (Years 1-2), Geography, Blue Gum Hills Regional Park

Students listening to an Aboriginal guide on a Bush art school excursion in Blue Gum Hills Regional Park. Photo: Adam Hollingworth © DPIE

Overview

Experience Blue Gum Hills Regional Park through the eyes of an Aboriginal person on this Stage 1 (Years 1-2) Bush art Geography excursion. Through hands-on art experiences you will learn how Aboriginal people use art when connecting to Country.

Read more about Bush art

Take a walk through the open forest of Blue Gum Hills Regional Park and learn about the importance of this area to Aboriginal People. You'll discuss different types of bush art materials and methods, make your own work of art, and listen to Aboriginal Dreamtime stories.

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

Stage	Stage 1 (Years 1-2)
Learning area	Geography
Student outcomes	GE1-1. Describes features of places and the connections people have with places GE1-2. Identifies ways in which people interact with and care for places GE1-3. Communicates geographical information and uses geographical tools for inquiry
Objectives	Students will: Recognise that Aboriginal people are the first Australians Walk through the open forest and identify plants and other resources used by Aboriginal people Understand methods and materials used in Aboriginal art Listen to Aboriginal Dreamtime stories Identify other ways the environment is important in Aboriginal culture, for example, in dance, stories and art Reflect on what may be learned from Aboriginal life by modern Australians

Excursion details

When: Weekdays all year.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Blue Gum Hills Regional Park in North Coast
Duration: 2hrs
Grading: Easy. 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. All art equipment is provided.
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-1-geography-bush-art-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 visitor info

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Bush art.

Program outline

Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety briefing
Bushwalk – environment and culture
Morning tea
Aboriginal cultural activities. Cultural activities can include weapons and tools, bush foods or art.
Discuss Aboriginal art methods and materials and its importance to Aboriginal society
Make your own work of art
Local Dreamtime stories
Conclusion and farewell

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).

Why not stay and have a bush barbecue after the tour? BYO food and drinks, free electric barbecues are available.

Maps and downloads

Bush art 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.