Nature's Story
Creative Arts, English
Students will be introduced to the basic techniques and methods of digital photography and photo editing on an iPad. Using an iPad shared between two, students wander through the woodland adjacent to Thalgarrah taking a portfolio of photographs that portray the special features of nature. Students are also given solitude time in nature and develop a word bank. Upon return, students select their favourite photo to be edited, printed and framed. They also make a montage of images and words to convey nature's story, practising skills in visual literacy. Students’ printed images will be used to form a gallery for an art appreciation session.
Student Gallery of photos
T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More)
PDHPE
This full day program begins with a discussion of what makes a good team. Using the agreed upon principles, students are then involved with a variety of outdoor team challenges where they can practise being a good team player and leadership skills. Activities are very active and involve students in different sized teams throughout the day. Activities include rogaining, making fire and cooking lunch.
Earth’s Environment at New England National Park
Geography
Students explore a wet eucalypt forest at Thungutti Campsite within New England National Park. Thalgarrah staff lead students through a series of workshops gathering data on the animals and habitats within the forest. We then take the bus to the Antarctic beech forest where students are given an opportunity to compare the two environments. We then lead students on walking tracks through the National Parks, stopping to admire breath-taking views to the east, until we end up at another campsite for lunch. Students are prompted to consider the many reasons for having National Parks and how we can best look after them.
Download a 10 week unit of work on National Parks.
The Earth’s Surface – why does erosion matter?
Science & Technology / Geography
Soil is important for people and the environment. Through this program, students gain increased understanding of what makes up soil, why it needs to be protected, and how it erodes through natural processes and human activity. They perform a fair test to see if ground cover can help to minimise erosion and visit places on “Swallowfield” farm to see how the farmer has tried to protect the soil from erosion.
Aboriginal studies
Geography / History
The Thalgarrah site has rich archaeological evidence of the Anaiwan people's occupation. In addition to examining the artefacts they used, this program attempts to study how they survived in the woodland environment.
