Paths Back to the Past

Years 1-3

This program aims to provide opportunities for students to learn about built environments and to understand how people create specialised environments and sometimes modify them to fulfill new and different requirements. It will also enhance students' skills in investigation techniques by providing first-hand experiences in a built environment. Students will develop concern towards and care of the environment and enthusiasm for investigating aspects of the environment. Students investigate The Rocks area of Sydney, the heart of trade, shipping and commerce of the early colony. The Rocks got its name from the boulders, rocky slopes and cliffs of the sandstone promontory on the western side of Sydney Cove. It was here that the convict's tents were set up and also in this location were the colony's first street, fort, hospital, observatory, windmill, bakery, warehouses and wharves. Students look at the use of space and provision of services in past times, and comparisons can be made between those times and the changes brought about by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority in their restoration, renovation and redevelopment of the area.

SUMMARY of LEARNING SITES, ACTIVITIES and STUDENT OUTCOMES

LEARNING SITE

ACTIVITY

STUDENT OUTCOMES
Students will be able to:

FIELDWORK IN ACTION

1. George St The Rocks

Now and Then

Enhance their observation and recording skills in the comparison of building styles

 

2. Rocks Square - Monument to Convict, Soldier & Settler

Observation

Recognise the contribution of each of these groups in Colonial Sydney

 

3. Rocks Square

 

Plaque Rubbing

Understand the importance of using evidence from the immediate environment.

 

4. Atherden St

My House

Gain an insight into the social history of the area by gaining an understanding of the occupations of past residents.

5. Foundation Park

Adjective Hunt

Record various textures of the natural and built environment and recognise patterns within these contexts

 

6. Bunkers Hill

Spot the Pot

Identify contrasts in building (Gloucester Walk) structures and record their detail

 

7.Parbury Cottage

Peek into the Past

Recognise past times and lifestyles and appreciate the need to preserve items of historical significance

 

8. The Paddock Park Pottinger St

You be an Archaeologist

Appreciate the importance of historical artifacts as a link to early life in Sydney

 

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