Education: Primary

meet the animals

A guided walk, adapted according to age level, which lets visitors observe the inhabitants of Mt Rothwell, as they go about their nightly routines – among them the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Eastern Quoll, the Rufous Bettong and the Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby. Discover both how these animals live and what threatens their survival in the wild. Explore topics such as endangered species, captive and wild breeding programs, habitat restoration, feral animals and feral proof fencing.

young conservationists

Mt Rothwell opens its gates for a full day and evening, giving students the opportunity to experience real conservation in action.  Activities are board and varied, from a walk in the bush to discover how Mt Rothwell’s environment has changed over time, to an expert talk explaining the role that Mt Rothwell plays in safe guarding some of Victoria’s remnant vegetation and endangered species. There’s a hands-on session focusing on landcare by participating in either weeding, collecting seeds, propagating or planting.  Students will also gain an appreciation of the science of conservation through field surveys and by visually recording landscape much like the European botanists did during early settlement times. A group discussion will give students an opportunity to explore possible solutions to current and future challenges facing many of Victoria’s endangered species. Finally the visit is rounded off with a guided walk to observe the inhabitants of Mt Rothwell, as they go about their nightly routine.  During this walk students will explore topics such as endangered species, captive and wild breeding programs, habitat restoration, feral animals and feral proof fencing.

art in the field

A full day session aimed at inspiring student artists through exposure to Mt Rothwell’s three unique environments - Old Growth Open Grassy Woodland, Granitic Hills Open Woodland and critically endangered Victorian Volcanic Plains Grassland. Learn about the past and present history of the area and the animals living in these habitats. Use a variety of materials and approaches to establish either a series of visual explorations to be further developed back at school, or work towards a finish artwork on site.

an add-on to art in the field While creating art on site, work alongside accomplished artists, and explore the way they interpret Mt Rothwell and its subject matter in their art making.

preparing student artists to visit

A visit by a Mt Rothwell art educator to the school, prior to the students arriving at Mt Rothwell. This visit prepares students to make the most of their site visit by exploring through discussion a variety of artworks by past and contemporary artists, all of whom have been inspired by the environment in their art making. Artists may include, Lorraine Connelly-Northey, Jan Senbergs, Eugene Von Guerard, Richard Long, Rosalie Gascoigne, Fred Williams, John Longstaff, Sidney Nolan, Robert Smithson, Fiona Hall, Bonita Ely, Lisa Roet, John Wolseley, Lauren Berkowitz, Louise Weaver or Lee Bul.

In addition to an ever-increasing list of educational experiences on offer at Mt Rothwell we’re also happy to work with teachers to devise or fine tune educational programs as needed, or to support their teaching if only by providing access to Mt Rothwell as a setting.

Ecolinc, the Science and Technology Innovations Centre, Bacchus Marsh, provide the following programs in conjunction with Mt Rothwell.

EXPLORING ECOSYSTEMS YEARS 7-10 AND MANAGING ECOSYSTEMS YEARS 9-10

See their website for more details http://www.ecolinc.vic.edu.au/

Please note that proper bush walking clothing is necessary while on site at Mt Rothwell - sturdy shoes, sun smart clothing, long pants, all weather gear. There is no charge for teachers or accompanying adults. Session times are flexible however bookings are essential.

Our programs are linked with the Victorian Essential Learning Standards and the Victorian Certificate of Education