Primary Education Programs on Cockatoo

Cockatoo Island is a world-heritage listed site in Sydney Harbour and one of Sydney's most unique heritage destinations. The island has a rich and dramatic past as a convict prison, reform school and ship-building dockyard and features a spectacular built and natural environment.

Education programs on Cockatoo Island provide students with opportunities to engage with the island's history, landscape and built environment through a range of syllabus areas, including HSIE, Creative and Performing Arts and Science and Technology. Our programs are inquiry-based and involve hands-on activities, historic film footage and stories of the island's remarkable history and colourful characters.

Our programs

 

Anthony Lister, 2011

Image credit: Anthony Lister, 2011

Outpost Project, Art from the Streets

Cockatoo Island, 4 November - 11 December,
2011 Visual Art Education Program

Presented by Kinect for Xbox 360

The Outpost Project on Cockatoo Island is the largest festival of Street Art to take place in Australia, featuring the work of some of the world's leading Street Artists. The Outpost Project Education Program offers syllabus-based programs for students, providing opportunities to connect with the Outpost Project both on the island and in the classroom.

Outpost Activity Tours

Activity tours of the Outpost Project festival on Cockatoo Island will encourage primary children to engage with the diverse range of artwork on display through a mix of discussion-focused and practical activities such as artmaking, movement, drama and creative writing.

Cost: $11.50 per student for up to 100 students

Bookings essential.

Outpost Project School Camping Packages

Special packages are available for schools wishing to camp on Cockatoo Island during the Outpost Project. More information on Outpost Project School Camping Packages.

Make a booking

To make a booking, please complete the online booking form.

Register Now!

To receive updates about the Outpost Project Visual Art Education Program and opportunities for your students, please register your contact details here.

More information

For more information, please contact the Outpost Project Education Team on
P: 02 8969 2144
E: education@harbourtrust.gov.au

 

Cockatoo Island: Convict TimesPrimary Program on Cockatoo Island

In 1839, Cockatoo Island became home to one of the most notorious convict prisons in colonial Australia. In this program, students will examine the consequences of the colonisation of Cockatoo for the Eora, the Aboriginal people of Sydney, and the natural environment of Cockatoo. In addition, through an exploration of the island's World Heritage listed convict sites, including the prison barracks, guardhouse, punishment cells and grain silos, students will discover the grim reality of life on the island for the convicts and their keepers.

This program is designed to meet outcomes in the following unit:

British Colonisation of Australia - Stage 2, HSIE
Outcomes: CCS2.1 and ENS2.6

Student Resource Sheet

The Convict Times student resource sheet is available for students to use during their visit to Cockatoo Island. Components of the sheet will be completed during the Convict Times program. The sheet also contains activities that can be completed back at school, to allow students to reflect on their visit to the island and summarise their learning.

Download the Convict Times resource sheet [PDF 2.5 MB]

 

Cockatoo: Then, Now and TomorrowGroup on Cockatoo Island

In this program, students discover Cockatoo Island's diverse natural and built features and consider its significance as a heritage site. The island's history as a convict prison and ship-building dockyard are explored through the heritage buildings and structures on the island, brought to life for students through stories, film footage, pictures and role play. Students will identify how the environment of the island has changed over time and how the changing uses of the island reflect community customs and values.

This program is designed to meet outcomes in the following unit:

Places: Then, Now and Tomorrow - Stage 2, HSIE
Outcomes: CCS2.2 and CCS2.1

Student Resource Sheet

The Then, Now and Tomorrow student resource sheet is available for students to use during their visit to Cockatoo Island. Components of the sheet will be completed during the Then, Now and Tomorrow program. The sheet also contains activities that can be completed back at school, to allow students to reflect on their visit to the island and summarise their learning.

Download the Then, Now and Tomorrow resource sheet [PDF 4.62 MB]

 

Cockatoo Island: You're Standing in It!

Students explore the natural, heritage and built features that make Cockatoo Island such a special urban park. Students will investigate the diverse history of the island, discover its unique features and evaluate the significance and value of the island to the community. Students will also learn about the role of the Harbour Trust in managing and caring for the island and imagine ways visitors can continue to engage with Cockatoo in the future.

This program is designed to meet outcomes in the following units:

Australia: You're Standing in It - Stage 2, HSIE
State and National Parks - Stage 2, HSIE
Outcomes: ENS2.5 and ENS2.6

Student Resource Sheet

The Cockatoo Island: You're Standing in It student resource sheet is available for students to use during their visit to Cockatoo Island. Components of the sheet will be completed during the program. The sheet also contains activities that can be completed back at school, to allow students to reflect on their visit to the island and summarise their learning.

Download the Cockatoo Island: You're Standing in It resource sheet [PDF 2.33 MB]

 

Further information

Contact

If you have any questions about program content, or would like to arrange a program that is tailored to meet the specific needs of your students, please call (02) 8969 2199 or email education@harbourtrust.gov.au