Curriculum & syllabus links

Explore how our Stage 1 Year 1 excursion to Georges River EEC aligns directly with the NSW HSIE syllabus, fostering deep connections to Country, water environments, and sustainable practices.

Key syllabus outcomes

Our structured fieldwork programs are designed around the NSW Stage 1 HSIE syllabus focus area: 'People are connected to places and groups'. We deliver authentic, experiential learning directly tied to syllabus benchmarks.

AIM:

The syllabus is designed to help children develop a deep understanding of people, places and cultures. It supports students in building knowledge and appreciation of Aboriginal Cultures and Histories, developing strong geographical and historical skills, and understanding Australia’s democratic values so they can become active, informed members of their community. The HSIE syllabus also encourages students to feel a sense of belonging, curiosity, awe and wonder about their world and the past.

(Georges River- Chipping Norton, photograph by Author, 2026)

HS1-ACH-01

Describes interactions between Aboriginal Peoples and Country. 

Come along and learn about the thousands of years, the Tharawal and Eora peoples lived along the Georges River making the river an important part of trading and food collection.

 

 

 

(Georges River- Chipping Norton, photograph by Author, 2026)

HS1-GEO-01

Describes ways people connect to and care for places, water environments and each other, using geographical information.

Let's go by the water and have a 'yarn' about the water ways of Georges River, what is natural? what is manmade? how they were used in the past and how they are used today.

 

(Georges River- Chipping Norton, photograph by Author, 2026)

Cross-curriculum inquiry

How do Aboriginal Peoples care for Country and why is this important?

What natural and man-made features are around us? and how do they protect the plants and animals?

Why are Aboriginal ways of caring of Country important and how can we help?

Every site stop from our centre to river bank will provide real experiences of bushwalks, plant and tree roles and facts.

(NESA, 2024)

Student Activities-Stage 1 | HS1-GEO-01 | HS1-ACH-01

These activities were retrieved directly from the page Georges River Environment and Educational Centre (October 10, 2026) as acivities your students will engage in. Student activities are differentiated, inclusive and may vary depending on the conditions.

River words
Through symbols and story students are introduced to traditional Sydney languages to describe Sydney's waterways. We learn the words to describe freshwater, saltwater and brackish water and the traditional names of the Georges and Cooks Rivers.

Mapping water environments
Students use maps to develop spatial awareness and map interpretation. Maps are used on a discovery walk to explore water environments and the way people use these places.

Secret fishing spots
Fishing is a way people from many cultures connect to water environments. Students go in search of special spots to sit quietly, observe and enhance wellbeing in natural areas.

Aboriginal knowledges
Students interact with traditional tools used in Dharawal and Dharug water Country to recognise ways traditional custodians use and value water Country and Place.

Baggy's adventure
Using narrative and an active relay game we learn how water travels across a catchment and discover the easy way we can all care for our waterways.

Dip netting
Students use nets to catch small aquatic animals from water bodies at the selected location.

Riverside picnic
Waste free, nutritious snacks and lunch is encouraged for our picnic under the gum trees in the parklands by the lake.

All activities are lead by experienced teachers, are age-appropriate and designed to support participation and enjoyment for Stage 1 students.

 

Create Your Own Website With Webador