NSW Environmental Education Centres

Natural learning

Professional learning

The NSW Environmental and Zoo Education Centre network provide a range of curriculum based teacher professional learning programs.  Listed below are some of the programs on offer at various times of the year.

Aboriginal histories and cultures

Aboriginal cultural awareness

This course enables teachers and other members of the school staff to enhance their knowledge of local Dharug Aboriginal land practices, language and culture.

Participants will gain an understanding of the Aboriginal Education Policy and how to integrate this into their school culture and teaching and learning programs. This course includes optional kayaking on the Hawkesbury River.

Cultural immersion SDD

The Aboriginal Cultural Immersion: Staff Development Day (SDD) is a whole of school professional learning program that enables teachers and other members of the school staff to enhance their knowledge of local Aboriginal land practices and culture with regards to the Aboriginal Education Policy and to integrate this into their school culture.

 

Cultural Connections: Integrating Aboriginal histories and cultures

Cultural Connections: Integrating Aboriginal histories and cultures in the new HSIE and Science syllabuses (K-6) aims to empower teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively integrate Aboriginal histories and cultures content into their teaching programs.

Curriculum based outdoor learning

Natural teacher 

This workshop offers hands-on ideas for taking core curriculum learning outdoors, focussing on enriching HSIE, Science and technology, and English through outdoor experiences. Participants will learn to integrate nature, Aboriginal histories and cultures, fieldwork, data collection, games, and technology.

Nature play and outdoor learning 

A workshop for primary and secondary educators seeking innovative methods to engage their students with nature and the outdoors. The workshop will equip educators with practical strategies to enhance educational and well-being outcomes.

Teaching geographical skills using geographical tools 

Supporting Stage 4-6 geography, teachers will engage in geographical thinking and practical activities, utilising maps and fieldwork to enhance their understanding of geographical concepts. 

Kitchen gardens

Staff will be provided with the necessary information and resources to initiate a kitchen garden program at their schools. They will collaborate and network with other school communities that share similar interests. 

STEM at the Coal Loader 

This STEM / Science professional learning day aims to support teachers to effectively deliver the new Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023) to incorporate STEM projects into teaching and learning programs and to effectively teach the Stage 5 Energy and Environmental Sustainability topics.