Geography - Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity (Kooragang Island)

Ash Island, Pacific Hwy, Hexham, Newcastle.

The Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project (KWRP) is located on Ash Island next to the Hunter River and a large urban area (Newcastle) in New South Wales. It is one of the largest active coastal rehabilitation projects in Australia. The wetlands feature expanses of mangrove and saltmarsh, and in non-tidal areas, riparian woodlands, remnants of lowland floodplain rainforest and ephemeral, freshwater wetlands.

Geography outcomes

A student:

• analyses geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments GE-12-02
• assesses geographical opportunities and challenges, and the role of varying perspectives and responses in their management GE-12-03
• evaluates responses and management strategies, at a range of scales, for sustainability GE-12-04
• synthesises and evaluates relevant geographical information from a variety of sources GE-12-05
• selects and applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork, and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments GE-12-07

Content

Students investigate:

• The characteristics of the ecosystem, including its spatial pattern and the nature of its biodiversity
• The dynamics of ecosystem functioning, including vulnerability, resilience and ecological disturbance
• Human-induced modifications to the ecosystem
• Responses and strategies, including for maintaining ecosystem functioning and actions for sustainability
• Differences in ecosystem management, compared with at least one other location, due to economic, political and sociocultural factors

The program will comence at the old Schoolhouse on Ash Island (off School House Road). Awabakal Environmental Education Centre teachers will meet you there. A map will be provided upon booking. 

Ash Island is accessed by turning off Maitland Road onto the bridge over the Hunter River near Hexham McDonalds.

Transport will be needed throughout the day to transport the students to different points on the island.

Printed worksheets, clipboard and pencil.

Students should bring lunch, recess, refillable water bottle, hats, sunscreen, covered walking shoes plus any special requirements of the group (Wet weather gear when necessary). Non-aerosol insect repellent is advisable in summer.

Introduction - 10:00am

Recess - 10:15am

Learning activities - 10:30am

Lunch - 12:00pm

Learning activities - 12:30pm

Finish - 2:00pm

There are no food facilities on Ash Island. Students will need to bring their food and drink for the entire day.

A toilet is available at the end of the day only.  

This timetable is only a guide and may be adjusted.

AEEC is a NSW Department of Education school and staff are trained DoE teachers specialising in Environmental Education.

AEEC teachers rely on the participation of visiting teachers to meet recommended supervision levels. Visiting teachers are ultimately responsible for behaviour of students, students with existing medical conditions or special needs.

Please notify Awabakal Environmental Education Centre of any medical conditions or special needs that may need to be taken into consideration when planning or delivering the program. Upon booking an excursion, a form will be emailed to complete to detail any medical or special needs. 

As our staff are Department of Education teachers we don’t require parent helpers on the day.  If your school decides to bring parents, we kindly ask that you keep the number to a minimum.  For safety reasons and the nature of our sites, parents will not be able to participate in activities.

Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, high winds and extreme bush fire danger may result in the excursion being modified, postponed or cancelled. If you have any concerns regarding the weather prior to the excursion, contact Awabakal Environmental Education Centre on 4955 8673 or email awabakal-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au.

Cancellations less than three school weeks notice may incur an administration fee. This does not apply to cancellations due to weather or fire danger. 

For bookings click here.