Secondary school excursions to Cockatoo
An excursion to Cockatoo Island offers students of History and Geography with the unique opportunity to explore important evidence of the historical development of Australia.
What is on offer?
With its convict prison, underground grain silos, two dry docks, tunnels and various remnants of industrial heritage (including cranes, jetties, slipways and machinery), Cockatoo Island is a perfect example of how human occupation and use of a site has changed over time. Site studies can be tailored to focus on industrialisation, maritime industries, building styles and isolation.
Led by the Harbour Trust's team of qualified teachers, students will explore a variety of important themes such as colonisation and changing patterns of work. Excursions can incorporate curriculum-aligned tours, classroom-based lessons or site studies and field work (sketching and mapping). The Harbour Trust's documentary Welcome to Cockatoo is also available for viewing.
Who is this appropriate for?
The program is suitable for students working in a number of Key Learning Areas (KLAs):
| KLA | Stage | Unit Outcomes & Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Geography | Stage 4 | Investigating the World: roles and responsibilities of individuals,
groups and Governments in the management of sites for future generations. Global Citizenship: the actions of individuals and groups to improve the quality of environments. |
| Geography | Stage 5 | Issues in Australian Environments: urban growth and decline. Investigating Australia's Identity: heritage. Changing Australian Environments: changing nature and patterns of work. |
| History | Stage 5 | Australian Social and Political Life to 1914: living and working conditions. Contemporary Australia: how and why have Australians sought to preserve their natural and built heritage. |
| Design and Technology | Stages 4 & 5 | The impact of past, current and emerging technologies on individuals, society and environments. |
| Visual Arts | Stages 4 & 5 | As a subject for art-making experiences. |
| Civics and Citizenship | - | How individuals, groups and levels of government are involved in the
process of change in Australian Communities. Decision-making processes involved in the management of geographical issues in Australia and implications for sustainability, social justice and equity. The importance of preservation and conservation of heritage. |
| COGS Units | - | Themes upon which teachers can base site studies include industrialisation, maritime industries, building styles and isolation. |
Further information
Contact
If you wish to discuss the lesson content of your excursion at any time, please call our Education Officer on (02) 8969 2144 or email: education@harbourtrust.gov.au.
