Geography - Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity (Wetlands Campus)

Awabakal Environmental Education Centre- Wetlands Campus located at the Hunter Wetlands Centre 412 Sandgate Road, Shortland.

Please use school entry.

Wetlands Campus is located at the Hunter Wetlands Centre, which is a managed wetland reserve with natural and artificial water features accessed by decks and established walking tracks. The site is classified as part of the Hunter Estuary Ramsar Site under the International Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar).

The Wetlands Campus has a purpose built education centre including theatre, wet room and classroom.

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

Awabakal Environmental Education Centre- Wetlands Campus located at the Hunter Wetlands Centre 412 Sandgate Road, Shortland.

Please use school entry.

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

Learning activities - 10:15am

Break -  11.15am

Learning activities - 11.30am

Lunch - 12:30pm

Learning activities - 12:50pm

Depart - 2:00pm

Students will have lunch on the grounds of the AEEC. There are toilet facilities available. 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.