Observatory Hill Environmental Education Centre

Sydney, Australia

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NSW Department of Education and Training   The Observatory Hill Environmental Education Centre (EEC) offers curriculum based fieldwork experiences in and around the Central Business District of Sydney. Educational programs incorporate an environmental perspective and are available for students from kindergarten to Year 12 in public schools in NSW. Fieldwork programs cover most curriculum areas and are usually conducted over a full day. Cost is minimal and two classes can be catered for, special arrangements can be made for larger groups. Bookings for Term 3 and 4 2009 open on Monday 15th June 2009.   Contact the EEC on (02) 9247 7321 to arrange a booking. Observatory Hill Environmental Education Centre is located on historic Observatory Hill between the headquarters of the National Trust (NSW) and Fort Street Public School. Getting to the Centre Rail - either from Wynyard station (York St exit) and walk north along Clarence Street, using the pedestrian subways to avoid Harbour Bridge traffic, follow the Bradfield Highway, and over the  footbridge (you may see signs directing you to Fanny Cohen Hall - this is the building in whcih the EEC is housed). OR From Circular Quay Station, walking through the Rocks and into Watson Rd and Upper Fort Street (a short cut rather than walking up Argyle Street is to follow the directions in Argyle Street to the Pylon Lookout and use the Bridge Stairs to enter Watson Road thence Upper Fort Street). Ferry - use above directions from Circular Quay Bus - either alight in Argyle Street near the Garrison Church and walk up Watson Road to Upper Fort Street or alight in Kent Street (near Agar Steps) and walk up the steps, through the National Trust carpark and accross the footbridge over the Cahill Expressway. Parking - limited partking is available but prior arrangements must be made. Environmental Education Centres in N.S.W. The role of Environmental Education Centres *To provide support and advice to teachers and school communities to assist them in integrating environmental education objectives across all key learning areas. * To provide support for the implementation of the environmental education policy for Schools Visit us for fieldwork and special projects supporting most key learning areas. We provide a special focus on: Aboriginal Studies  Creative Arts  Design and Technology  Geography  History  Human Society and its Environment  Science  Mathematics  We offer: day visits  specialist teaching staff to plan and lead your students on field trips  support material and worksheets  For school-based support we can: address staff meetings  offer staff training and development in Environmental Education  conduct environmental education awareness programs with students and assist with special focus days  collaborate with staff in developing school environmental action plans  assist with DET Agenda priorities relevant to fieldwork and environmental education  provide ideas for fieldwork project activities in your local environment  In addition the Environmental Education Centre also supports schools by providing: a link into an expansive network of contacts in organisations with a focus on the environment and/or environmental education.  a library of resources on Environmental Education and the urban environment available for loan.  a venue for conferences, special events and staff development days.  This page is under constant revision so make sure you bookmark it and keep watching this space for further details of programs and projects. For further information contact:  observhill-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au Return to top of page                                 Last Updated - November, 2008.