Kings Park Education provides practical ideas for excursions and inspiration for teaching in the classroom.

Inductions to Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park

Teachers planning an excursion to Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park are required to attend a free induction and site familiarisation session. At least one (1) supervising teacher must have attended a Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park Induction. A certificate will be issued on completion of the induction and is valid for two (2) years from the date of attendance.

Attending a pre-excursion induction will introduce you to the redeveloped site, help ensure the best possible excursion for your class and meet the requirements for planning and risk assessment in this unique venue.

Teacher induction sessions are offered monthly. In 2019, inductions run from 4.00 to 6.00 pm on the following Tuesdays: 26 February, 26 March, 30 April, 28 May, 25 June, 30 July, 27 August, 17 September, 29 October and 26 November. Inductions will be held in the Kings Park Education Centre located on Kattidj Close, off Fraser Avenue (refer to map).

Contact the Education Bookings Officer to reserve your place.

Professional development workshops

Kings Park Education provides teachers with opportunities to broaden their knowledge and be inspired with practical ideas for excursions and classroom learning. Customised professional development sessions in the Australian Curriculum areas of Science, History (Aboriginal Culture) and Geography can be delivered to meet the specific needs of your school. Half day sessions with a Kings Park Educator can be combined with your school’s own networking or meeting agenda to create a full day of learning in beautiful Kings Park.

Professional development sessions can be delivered Tuesday to Friday only, bookings by request for groups of 10 people or more.

Aboriginal life and history

The significance of Kings Park to Nyoongar people

Mooro Katta (Kings Park) has been an important place for Nyoongar people for tens of thousands of years. A professional Development day focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures at Kings Park can include information on the following:

• Local Aboriginal people – the Nyoongar people
• Family life – women’s business and men business
• Significant Aboriginal places in Kings Park
• Nyoongar seasons and seasonal movements
• Native plants and the way they were used by Aboriginal people for food, clothing, tools and medicine.

Information  on our comprehensive programs, resources and special events that support teaching Aboriginal content, will be provided.

Exploring Nyoongar Culture with a Nyoongar presenter

Kings Park Education works with a number of experienced Nyoongar presenters. On request a Nyoongar presenter can be booked to present the workshop on Aboriginal culture. The Nyoongar presenter will be able to provide a greater insight into the content that could be of benefit to people working with Aboriginal families and teaching Aboriginal children.

Additional areas covered could include spirituality and the dreaming, family roles and structures, health and connection to country, women's business and men's business, effects of the stolen generation, and so on.

The Nature of learning

Developing the whole child in natural environment

Discover the importance of allowing children to spend time outside exploring natural environments and how this benefits a child's development. Explore the benefits of allowing children to take risks and how 'risking on purpose' in natural environments can help children develop. This session provides lots of ideas for taking learning outside, integrating nature and curriculum outcomes and including natural elements in play and learning.

Inquiry-based learning

Kings Park Education aims to provide inquiry-based learning programs for students, actively engaging them in the process of investigating, processing, organising and extending their knowledge. Learn how to use inquiry-based learning in Science or Geography with a hands-on professional development session. To investigate the history and geography of the park through an inquiry lesson combine this program with a 'The significance of Kings Park to Nyoongar People' session.

Further workshops topics

Kings Park can provide further professional learning opportunities in the areas of wetland monitoring, horticulture and conservation science. Contact the Education Bookings Officer to discuss your requirements.