School excursion

Aboriginal customs and practices

Stage 2 (Years 3-4), History, Tumut area in Kosciuszko National Park

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Overview

Aboriginal customs and practices is a Stage 2 (Years 3-4) school excursion in Kosciuszko National Park which focuses on History and Geography. Discover the secrets of the didgeridoo, use clapsticks and play along with a yidaki. Try your hand at tool or jewellery making, and learn about collecting and using materials from the environment.

Read more about Aboriginal customs and practices

On this excursion, students will discover how Aboriginal culture is held in the customs, practices and traditions of local Aboriginal people. Caring for others and caring for the environment are sometimes taught through stories and music.

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

Stage Stage 2 (Years 3-4)
Learning area History
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
Objectives

Students will:

  • Participate in music activities
  • Catch and paint boomerangs
  • Create jewellery with string made from tree fibres and decorated with items from the bush
  • Discover how traditional shelters were built using seasonally available raw materials
  • Explore gender-appropriate artefacts and displays.

Excursion details

Availability
Guided. Available on request. Subject to staff availability.

Aboriginal rangers from Kosciuszko National Park are also available to come to your school. Please phone (02) 9995 5142 for further details on in-school visits.

Where
Tumut area in Kosciuszko National Park in Snowy Mountains
Duration
3-5 hr
Grading
Easy. Discovery ranger guided walk and activities on bush tracks and in the amphitheatre.
Price

$275 per group for a half day (3 hours), $375 per group for a full day (5 hours). Prices include GST. Maximum 25 students per group. For groups over 25 conditions apply.

Accessibility
Medium
Meeting point
Birrimal Waga Amphitheatre, Sydney Street, Tumut.
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.
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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-hsie-aboriginal-customs-practices-tumut-kosciuszko-national-park/local-alerts

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Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Aboriginal customs and practices.

Program outline

Activities: string making, boomerang and spear throwing, didgeridoo and clapsticks, boomerang painting (additional cost), jewellery making.
Demonstrations: fire sticks, net making, dilly bags, traditional shelters, artefacts display.

Activities and displays for your program may be varied seasonally or to suit desired learning outcomes.

  • Half day (3 hrs)
  • Introduction - 30 mins
  • Activity 1 – group activity - 45 mins
  • Activity 2 – gender appropriate activity - 45 mins
  • Recess - 30 mins
  • Hands on Artefacts display - 45 mins
  • Conclusion

Getting there and parking

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    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

    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

    Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly