Caring for Country

Stage 1 - Human Society and its Environment

Program

'Caring for Country' is a Stage 1 excursion delivered at Longneck Lagoon Environmental Education Centre. Students will embark on a ‘story journey’ to explore the natural features of land, water, and sky Country, deepening their understanding of Dharug Peoples’ relationships with the environment. Through interaction with Cultural objects such as tools and weapons, learning Dharug language for local plants and animals, and exploring storytelling through symbols and song, students will gain insights into how Aboriginal Peoples’ histories and traditions continue to shape connections to Country today.

Important information

Syllabus outcomes and content

Human Society and its Environment K-6 syllabus (2024)

HS1-ACH-01
Describes interactions between Aboriginal Peoples and Country

Content

Aboriginal Peoples have a responsibility to Country

  • Describe ways in which Aboriginal Peoples use Knowledge of land, water and sky Country in everyday life

Aboriginal Peoples have rich and diverse Culture and Histories

  • Locate and discuss objects and sites that evidence Aboriginal Peoples as the oldest living continuous Cultures in the world

People care for Australia's water environments

  • Identify ways that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples value water Country and Place
Activities

Students will:

  • undertake a 'story journey' around Longneck Lagoon to understand how Dharug people use knowledge of land, water and sky Country in everyday life
  • engage with and learn about the uses of various traditional objects, including weapons and tools
  • learn about the use of local plants and animals by Dharug people for food and fibre
  • explore the use of symbols and song for storytelling.
Teacher information
Vehicle access

Address: 59 Whitmore Road, Maraylya

Large buses/coaches can drop students and teachers at the entrance on Whitmore Road. It is a 400m walk down the drive to the classroom. Bus drop off and pick up should be timed to allow for the walk from the road to the classroom. These times can be negotiated as needed to allow for earlier or later start and finish times.

Minibuses and visitors arriving by private car can enter the gates on Whitmore Rd and drive part way down the drive to the signposted 'Visitor parking' area near the mud brick shed. It is a short 100m walk from the visitor parking area to the classroom and office area. We kindly ask that visitors do not drive beyond this point in order to ensure the safety of our students.

Student numbers

Up to 3 classes

Max. 30 students per class

(Please book for multiple dates if numbers exceed 90 students)

What to bring

Students

  • Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor learning (most students wear school uniform or sports uniform)
  • Hat
  • Covered walking shoes
  • Wet weather gear if appropriate (not umbrellas)
  • Own recess and lunch ('nude food'/plastic free food is encouraged!)
  • Refillable water bottle

Teachers

  • Own recess and lunch. Visiting adults are welcome to use the refrigerator and microwave. Tea and coffee is provided.
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Special medical/learning requirements for individual students (such as medication, hearing devices)
Adverse weather On days where the weather is unsuitable, a Longneck Lagoon EEC staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements.
Medical notifications Notify Longneck Lagoon EEC by completing and returning the student welfare form at least one week before the excursion. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking.
Further information Welcome to Longneck Lagoon EEC
Excursion resources
Coming soon!

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