Secondary Programs
All Sydney Learning Adventures secondary excursions have been developed in consultation with academic educators and practising classroom teachers. Our curriculum-linked, outcomes-focused approach aims to provide engaging, interpretive, multi-layered learning experiences for all students. The programs are facilitated by our team of dynamic interpretive guides and cater to all stages and types of learners, from Year 7 to Year 12.
The excursions offer teachers an ideal resource to complement the key learning areas of geography, history, ESL, Aboriginal studies, religion and ancient history.
Each excursion is complemented by a resource pack that offers pre-excursion and post-excursion ideas, background information and worksheets.
For more information call (02) 9240 8552 or email tours@property.nsw.gov.au.
For Years: 7 - 8 (Stage 4 History)
Location: The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre
Curriculum links: Years 7-8 History. Students explore 'the science of rubbish' by examining artefacts recovered from wells, cisterns, cellars and backyards.
British archaeologist Stuart Piggott once called archaeology 'the science of rubbish' because it involves the excavation of things people throw away. Student archaeologists in Years 7 and 8 History (Australian Curriculum) will examine artefacts discovered in wells, 'dunnies', cisterns, cellars and backyards in order to decide whether The Rocks really was a 'dirty slum' during the 19th century. This differentiated investigation focuses on the lives of some of the more colourful individuals who inhabited the cosy little houses, narrow lands and twisted streets of The Rocks' close-knit neighbourhood. Updated to reflect the new History Curriculum, this program takes place at The Big Dig Archaeology Education centre.
Virtual online program now available, view trailer:
Cesspits & Old Rubbish Teacher Resource Pack
For Years: 7 - 8 (Stage 4 History, Science, Geography, Aboriginal Studies and Aboriginal Languages)
Location: The Rocks
Giba means rock or stone and Nura means place or country‘in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, the original inhabitants of the Sydney basin.
Aboriginal education guides facilitate students' exploration of 'first contact', Aboriginal resistance to colonisation, and its imapct on the Gadigal people from an Aboriginal perspective.
Through stories of role models such as Bennelong, Barrangaroo, Patyegarang and Pemulwuy, students in will develop a knowledge and understanding of local Aboriginal identity and experiences, and explore and analyse historical and archaeological evidence.
The program includes:
- Aboriginal astronomy
- Gadigal initiation ceremonies and practices
- Aboriginal language and place names - what did these places mean to Gadigal people?
- how the Gadigal people understand and interpret their environment
- hands-on experience with Aboriginal artefacts (The Rocks Discovery Museum)
- Investigating bust tucker and other resources in the local area.
This program can be tailored for tertiary students and corporate groups.
Virtual online program now available, view trailer:
Giba-Nura Teacher Resource Pack
For Years: 10 – 12 (Stage 5 Elective History, Stage 6 Ancient History, Stage 6 History Extension)
Location: The Big Dig Archaeological Centre
How do historians and archaeologists investigate the past? What types of questions do they ask? What ethical issues are involved in the excavation, conservation and interpretation of a site? Students use written and archaeological sources to undertake an enquiry-based investigation into topics such as the lives of real men and women who lived and worked in The Rocks during the 19th century, the impact of the industrial revolution on them, and the sociocultural identity of The Rocks.
Groundwork Extended Teacher Resource Pack
For Years: 11-12 (Stage 6 Ancient History, History Extension and Stage 5 Elective History)
Location: The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre
Curriculum links: Year 11 ancient history and stage 5 elective history. Students will use written and archaeological sources to undertake an investigation into the lives of some of the people who lived and worked in The Rocks in the 1800s.
The Big Dig archaeological site offers students a unique opportunity to study how historians and archaeologists investigate, record, reconstruct and interpret the past. Students will look at the types of questions they ask, the explanations they give and the issues they raise.
Students will use written and archaeological sources to undertake an enquiry-based investigation into the lives of some of the people who lived and worked in The Rocks during the 19th century. They will also consider the ethical isssues involved in the excavation, conservation, interpretation and presentation of this site to the public.
To assist you in getting the most out of the program, and to maximise the experience for your students, Sydney Learning Adventures has created a comprehensive Teacher Resource Pack for this program.
Virtual online program now available, view trailer:
Groundwork Teacher Resource Pack
For Years: 9 - 12 (Stages 5 and 6 History, Science, Geography, Aboriginal Studies and Aboriginal Languages)
Location: The Rocks
Aboriginal education guides take students on a journey to explore the history and culture of the Gadigal people, as well as their experiences during 'first contact' and after colonisation.
Students will explore the Gadigal and other Aboriginal peoples' resistance to colonisation, colonial policies of the day, and how these have impacted on and influenced Indigenous Australians today.
The program includes:
- hands-on examination of a variety of Aboriginal artefacts (The Rocks Discovery Museum)
- Investigating and discussing bush tucker in the local area
- The opportunity to develop a knowledge and understanding of local Aboriginal identity and experiences through a timeline of important historical, social and political events
- Stories of role models such as Bennelong, Pemulwuy, Windradyne, Charles Perkins, Eddie Mabo and others.
This program can be tailored for tertiary students and corporate groups.
For Years: 9 -10, (Stage 5 Global History: The Making of the Modern World and Australia)
Location: The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre
Curriculum links: Stage 5 Global History: The making of the Modern World and Australia How did industrialisation, imperialism and significant events such as World War 1 impact on the lives of people who lived in The Rocks?
Students work as archaeologists, developing a sound historical understanding as they interpret a unique archaeological site, examine authentic artefacts, and delve into the lives of families who lived in The Rocks.
Students will explore the effects of industrialisation, World War 1 and the rapid change in the ways people lived, worked and thought.
Using a range of archaeological, written and photographic sources, this program incorporated key historical concepts and skills, such as continuity and changes, cause and effect, perspective and empathetic understanding.
Shopfront to Western Front Teacher Resource Pack
For Years: 7 - 10, (Stages 4 & 5 History and Geography)
Location: Chinese Garden and Chinatown
Students will examine the history of Chinese immigration to Australia and observe its impact on past and present communities.
This program aims to gain that has created the multicultural Australia of today.
The program includes a visit to the Chinese Garden of Friendship.
Silk Road to Gold Tracks Teacher Resource Pack