Primary school excursions to Cockatoo
Primary excursions provide students with opportunities to discover and explore the dramatic history, landscape and built environment of Cockatoo.
The rich history of the island and its changing uses over time mean that excursion programs explore a range of focus areas, including: colonial history, the natural and built environment, industrial heritage, changing environments, identity, citizenship and park management.
Excursions are led by experienced educators and involve hands-on activities, role-play, historic film footage and stories of the island's remarkable history and colourful characters.
Programs
Cockatoo Island: Convict Tales
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 nominated 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
Cockatoo: Then, Now and Tomorrow
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
Caring for Cockatoo
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.
Cockatoo Island: A Local Environment
In this COGS program, students explore and respond to the built environment of the island, investigate how and why the island has changed over time and consider its value and significance. In a practical, collaborative project, students develop their own plans for Cockatoo - imagining and representing ways in which the island could continue to grow and meet the needs of the community.
This program is designed to meet outcomes in the following unit:Local Environments - Stage 2, Connected Outcomes Group (A)
Outcomes: BES2.1, ENS2.6, ENS2.5 and DMS2.8
Programs can also be tailored to meet the individual content needs of students.
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
