Fairfield City Farm: School Excursions

Why choose us for your excursion?

Teachers are impressed by our: · efficient organisation · full, well structured program · beautiful, well maintained environment · developmentally appropriate programs designed to cater to current curriculum requirements · knowledgeable and friendly guides and staff · opportunities for active learning (we encourage students to observe with all of their senses and ask questions) · provision of work sheets if required. Kids love: · seeing and touching our farm and native animals · hands-on activities · engaging, educational farm shows. At FCF our school excursion programs have been designed for each Stage of primary students in line with current curriculum requirements. Our tours are designed to help students meet outcomes from the Human Society and its Environment (NSW Bos 1998) and Science and Technology (NSW BoS 2006) strands as follows: · Environments (HSIE) · Resource systems (HSIE) · Built environments (S&T) · Living things (S&T) · Products and services (S&T) · Investigating (S&T) · Earth and its surroundings (S&T). General information on Fairfield City Farm School Excursions including 'Venue and safety information' can be found at the end of this page. Tours need to be booked in advance as there are limited places. A copy of our brochure will show you what units of work are best suited for a visit to Fairfield City Farm. A list of currently available School Tours is set out below. If these tours don't quite meet your needs call us on (02) 9823 3222 to discuss an alternative needs, just call us on (02) 9823 3222.

Infants and Primary School Programs for Early Stage 1 and Stage 1

Animal Allsorts Observing and learning about farm and native animals (their needs, habitats etc) and understanding differences and similarities between species. Information for Teachers Excursion Work Sheet	Down on the farm Looking at the interrelated components (animals and plants) and products of a farm Information for Teachers Excursion Work Sheet
Programs for Stage 2


Growth and Change Observing the effects of growth and change on the living things. Just as living things grow and change throughout their lives, so environments change and everything is connected in some way. Information for Teachers Excursion Work Sheet Local environment Students will learn about the features of a farm environment, built and natural, and explain the significance of those features considering aspects of planning and design. Information for Teachers Excursion Work Sheet	Products and services Students identify personal and community needs and wants, and how these needs are met. The farm can provide an opportunity to study an example of primary production with a focus on developing the values and attitudes of ecological sustainability. Information for Teachers Excursion Work Sheet

Programs for Stage 3


Changing Environments Students will identify and think about the implications of various environmental issues. Information for Teachers Excursion Work Sheet

High School

NEW TOUR - Farm Management suitable for Agriculture students (investigate drenching sheep, sheep management, ageing sheep, weed and pest control.) Excursion Worksheets Adaptations suitable for Science Years 7 & 8 (investigate plant and animal adaptations) Life Cycles, Food Chains & Webs suitable for Science Years 7 & 8 (investigate the life cycles, food chains and webs of plants and animals on land and in water). Excursion Worksheets	Ecosystems suitable for Science Years 7 & 8 (investigate ecosystems on land and in water) Land Management suitable for Geography Years 9 & 10 (investigate soil and water quality and management, erosion, the links between these and topography) Excursion Worksheets

Special Interest tours

Permaculture Suitable for High School and TAFE students Excursion Worksheets Compost, Mulching and Recycling Suitable for High School and TAFE students Excursion Worksheets	Sensory Tours Sensory Tours of the City Farm designed for students with special needs, such as autistic students or students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. During this tour the students will be able to get up very close and touch a whole range of our animals under the careful supervision of an experienced, patient, City Farm guide.

General Information

Experienced, informative tour guides are provided for groups of approximately 30 students. An optional tractor ride can be pre-booked at the time you confirm your tour details with us, at a cost of $3.00 per person. Although Fairfield City Farm does have a first-aid station located in the reception area, it is advisable for teachers to bring their own first-aid kit. In the unlikely event that a member of your group is involved in an accident, please inform a member of staff as soon as possible. Please find attached the 'Venue and Safety Information for School Excursions' required by the NSW Department of Education and Training. Venue Safety and Assessment Sheet Teachers also need to be aware of the latest NSW Health Factsheet on Petting Zoos and Personal Hygiene available at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/2005/pettingzoo_fs.html FCF has easy wheelchair access to exhibits Worksheets for our tours are available at…..(here on website?) All students will need: a nametag (templates of nametags have been included here for you to copy for your class, or make your own. Sticky labels are also fine). This will make it much easier for our tour guides to use the students' names: a hat & sunscreen sensible walking shoes. (Must be enclosed - no thongs or sandals) comfortable clothing (School uniform is sufficient, jumper & warm clothing in the winter months) a water bottle (there are taps to re-fill water bottles) something to eat for morning tea & lunch (it is possible to pre-order lunches in the morning from our café, please contact us if you would like more information regarding this) you will be visiting a working farm with animals, lucerne, straw, hay etc and you need to be aware that some people may have an allergic reaction to some of the animals or plants in the area so students and staff may need access to their medication (for asthmatics and others with sensitive skin or allergic conditions) insect repellent in summer months some pocket money is optional. Lunches can be purchased at the City Farm, but we would prefer these to be pre-ordered when you arrive. Souvenirs are available at Reception for as little as $1.00. clipboard and pencil if students are required to use worksheets while visiting