This program focuses on how people lived in The Rocks at the time of the first penal settlement. Students will explore historic sites, and investigate historic sources and artefacts to find out how people lived in the Sydney Cove penal settlement. They will also learn about traditional Gadigal Aboriginal culture.
Program location
The Rocks and Millers Point. View the Google Excursion Map with approximate walking route, meeting location and pick up location. Please note the bus drop off and pick up point is the Corner of George St and Lower Fort St (Under the harbour bridge).
Key inquiry question
- What was life like for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people before the arrival of the Europeans?
- What was the nature and consequence of contact between Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and early traders, explorers and settlers.
Key syllabus outcomes
- Describes Aboriginal people's obligations to country, culture and community.
- Explains how people lived in the past, how navigation connected the world , and what life was like in the Sydney Cove penal settlelemnt.
Integrating the ‘Sustainability’ and ‘Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander histories and culture’ Cross Curriculum Priorities are a feature of the program.
Student pre-visit and follow up activities
Successful excursions have direct links to current classroom learning. Pre-visit activities carried out prior to the excursion will help students better understand their excursion content and provide connectedness and relevance to classroom learning.
Vist the 'First Contacts' Student Support Website for more information and student activities for this excursion.
On the day activities
During the full day fieldwork excursion, students will:
- Participate in a story at Dawes Point Park about the traditional custodians the land, the Gadigal People, and learn about Patyegerang and her interactions with William Dawes and other colonists. Students will take part in a traditional Aboriginal weaving technique to develop an empathetic understanding of Aboriginal culture
- Visit Parbury Ruins, the underground foundations of an 1820 convict’s house. They will and view artefacts from this archaeological site. Students will learn about the original occupants of the house and take part in a game to identify archaeological artefacts typical of this period.
- Visit The Rocks Discovery Museum to learn about the role that transportation played in the establishment of NSW. They will view historical artefacts from Gadigal Aboriginal people, and first fleet convicts and colonists, using skills of historical inquiry and communication.
Cost
- Government Schools: $15 per student
- Non-Government School $25 per student (GST free). Minimum cost of $600.