People Participate in Australian Society through Active Citizenship
Stage 2
HSIE Excursion
Set off on an exciting cultural adventure to Chinatown or the Auburn Botanic Gardens!
Students immerse themselves in vibrant communities to explore the traditions, symbols, and stories that make Australia so diverse. They’ll discover how cultural and religious celebrations from around the world contribute to our shared identity, and see active citizenship in action through respect, inclusion, and community connection.
By comparing East Asian and Western traditions, students learn how different groups celebrate, express belonging, and strengthen society.
A fun, hands-on journey into culture, community, and connection!
10:00am – 2:00pm (4 hours)
Arrival at 10:00am
10:00am – 10:25am
Arrival, morning tea, and a toilet break.
10:25am – 10:55am
Students learn about the differences between East Asian and Western cultures through fun props, stories and images that bring each tradition to life. They’ll even discover their own Chinese zodiac, and yes, teachers get involved too!
Students are then divided into groups of approx. 35, each led by a Ranger, and rotate through the push-and-pull activities below. Each activity runs for approximately 50 minutes.
Chinatown / CBD Activities
Guided Chinatown Tour: Explore the vibrant streets of Chinatown and learn about cultural places, foods and traditions.
Chinese Garden of Friendship: Stroll through tranquil traditional gardens while discovering symbols, stories and design features.
Chinese Dragon Art & Crafts: Students create colourful Chinese dragons, dance around with vibrant fabric, and even learn a bit of calligraphy while they’re at it!
Auburn Botanic Gardens Activities
Guided Walk Through Japanese Gardens: Experience peaceful pathways, bridges and ponds while learning about Japanese garden design.
Native Australian Bush & Rainforest Walk: Discover Australia’s native plants and natural features on an engaging bush walk, while learning all about community, connection and caring for Country!
Chinese Dragon Art & Crafts: Students create colourful Chinese dragons, dance around with vibrant fabric, and even learn a bit of calligraphy while they’re at it!
HS2-ACH-01 describes Aboriginal Peoples’ obligations to Country, Culture and Community;
HS2-GEO-01 explains how people care for Australia’s environments and participate in Australian society, using geographical information;
HS2-ACH-01 describes Aboriginal Peoples’ obligations to Country, Culture and Community;
HS2-HIS-01 explains how people lived in the past, how navigation connected the world, and what life was like in the Sydney Cove penal settlement, using sources as evidence.
People participate in Australian society through active citizenship
- Conduct surveys and graph results to explain how and why people respond to needs in the community;
- Explain the traditions of major world religions in Australia;
- Research the origin and work of a New South Wales organisation that responds to a community need;
- Explain the importance of volunteering as active citizenship;
- Design a response to a need in the school or local community.
- Chinatown and Chinese Gardens of Friendship, Sydney CBD
- Auburn Botanic Garden
- Hunter Valley Gardens
- Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside
The cost of this exciting adventure is $26.00 + GST per student.
(Minimum charge x35)
This price includes:
- Ticket entry into chosen locations garden amenities;
- A fully guided full day with our enthusiastic and knowledgeable Rangers
(Think Steve Irwin meets the Ranger Jamie crew!); - A pre-completed Risk Assessment, making your planning a whole lot easier;
- Assistance sourcing bus quotes, so you’re not chasing bus companies all afternoon;
- All equipment and materials provided;
- A syllabus-aligned program, thoughtfully designed to support real learning while keeping the day fun and engaging.
Choose Your Date
Step 1 of 3
Please note this is a tentative booking. After your booking request is submitted, we will be in touch via email to confirm the requested date and arrange the final details for the booking.
All prices are +GST. As this program is an educational service, all GST charged can be reimbursed in its entirety by the Government.
FAQS
How many teachers/helpers do I need on my excursion?
The more grown-up sidekicks, the better! We recommend at least one teacher/parent helper per class. No extra cost for teachers or parent helpers on this program.
What equipment/ materials do we need to bring?
Students should bring morning tea, lunch, water bottles, and any required medication. We suggest sports uniform and comfortable shoes. We supply all the materials and equipment needed for your day.
What is your weather policy?
You can view our full policy here
We’re flexible and happy to arrange an incursion alternative or, where needed, postpone your program.
How many groups will my students be in?
We usually plan for one Ranger per 35-40 students. On the day, your students will be split into groups of that size, with a Ranger assigned to each group to guide them as they rotate through the activities.