Excursion Information - North Head
The following information will help you plan for your school excursion to North Head Sanctuary.
For whom does the excursion cater?
The excursions are designed specifically for Stage 6 Geography students who are studying Biophysical Interactions.
What will students do during the excursion?
The excursions are facilitated by the Harbour Trust's team of Teacher Guides (qualified teachers). Students will work in small groups, using a specifically designed field work guide, to complete a series of fieldwork experiments including basic orienteering, weather observations, plant and animal identification, soil sampling, water quality testing, mapping and sketching activities.
The students will work outdoors at stations set-up throughout the Sanctuary area.
There will also be a scheduled lunch break on-site.
Are the excursions related to the syllabus?
The excursion is based on the Preliminary Course in Stage 6 Geography for the Biophysical Interactions topic. It covers many of the essential fieldwork elements. The activities are designed for students to develop skills to investigate geographically and to use a range of geographical tools and skills such as maps and aerial photographs. These skills may also be useful for students' Senior Geography Project. The following syllabus outcomes apply:
- P2 - describes the interactions between the four components which define the biophysical environment
- P3 - explains how a specific environment functions in terms of biophysical factors
- P9 - uses maps, graphs and statistics, photographs and fieldwork to conduct geographical inquiries.
What is the duration of the excursion?
Excursions run for five hours. Shorter sessions may be arranged for schools with time restrictions.
Which dates and times are available?
The excursions are offered throughout the year. Preferred times are 9.00am-2.00pm, 9.30am-2.30pm, or 10.00am-3.00pm. Other times may be arranged if these times are not suitable.
Where is North Head Sanctuary? How do we get there? Where do we meet?
North Head Sanctuary is located at the former School of Artillery, Manly. The entrance is on North Head Scenic Drive, just beyond Manly Hospital. Schools need to arrange their own transport to North Head Sanctuary. For information on how to get to North Head Sanctuary via bus, train or ferry, please visit www.131500.com.au. There is parking for cars and buses on site. Groups meet at the Gatehouse Visitor Centre, inside the Sanctuary. A map will be sent with your confirmation letter.
Should we do any preparation for our excursion?
It is strongly recommended that teachers provide some preliminary background lessons prior to visiting North Head Sanctuary, to ensure students gain the most from their experience. Suggested activities will be sent to you once your booking is confirmed.
Students will be divided into subgroups on the day. It is recommended that teachers plan the division of groups before the excursion as it saves a lot of time on the day. Please refer to your confirmation letter for the number of groups required.
How much do the excursions cost? How is payment arranged?
The excursions cost $20 per student (GST inclusive) with a minimum fee of $240 (equivalent to 12 students). Accompanying teachers attend free of charge. An invoice will be sent to the school following the excursion.
What is the required student/teacher ratio?
The Harbour Trust's Safety policy sets the following requirement for accompanying adults. It is essential that accompanying adults play an active role in student supervision during the excursion. Secondary - 1 adult: 20 students; Special needs - 1 adult: 1 student.
What is the minimum and maximum number of students?
There is no restriction on the minimum number of students, however a minimum fee of $240 (equivalent to 12 students) is payable for groups with less than 12 students. Due to the nature of the site, the maximum number of students per excursion is 50. Schools wishing to book larger groups can book two or more separate excursion dates.
Will the excursions go ahead in wet weather?
Yes. Students must bring appropriate wet weather gear.
Are refreshments available?
Students and accompanying teachers/adults are advised to bring their own refreshments. There are currently no food outlets at North Head Sanctuary with the exception of a small vending machine. If possible, breaks will be scheduled to occur near The North Fort Café, located adjacent to the Sanctuary to enable participants to buy snacks and hot or cold drinks. However, the café is quite small and only operates Wednesday to Sunday.
Has a risk assessment been done?
The Harbour Trust has completed a risk assessment for excursions to North Head Sanctuary Cockatoo Island.
Download North Head School Excursion Risk Assessment [PDF 32KB]
What resources are available?
There is information about North Head Sanctuary at www.harbourtrust.gov.au. As these excursions are new, additional teacher resources are still being developed.
What do we bring? What is provided? Is there storage for school bags?
Each student must bring a hat, sunscreen, refreshments, wet weather gear, pencils and a clipboard. As the program is conducted outdoors, it is essential that both students and teachers/adults wear comfortable, covered shoes for walking and appropriate outdoor attire. Chewing gum is not permitted. All fieldwork guides and equipment will be provided on the day of your excursion. School bags may be left in the designated storage area whilst the excursion is underway.
Are there toilets?
Yes, there are toilet facilities located in the Gatehouse Visitor Centre.
Self-guided tour brochure- North Head [PDF 1287KB]
