Stage 2 history excursion
Location
Kamay Botany Bay EEC, Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell.
Key Inquiry Question
- Why did James Cook make the journey?
- What was life like for the Aboriginal people at Kamay Botany Bay before the arrival of James Cook?
- What was the nature and consequence of the meeting of two cultures?
Key syllabus Outcomes
- describes and explains how significant individuals, groups and events contributed to changes in the local community overtime
- describes people, events and actions related to world exploration and its effects
- describes and explains effects of British colonisation in Australia
- applies skills of historical inquiry and communication.
Students will:
- investigate the first contact between the Aboriginal people and Europeans at Botany Bay
- participate in a role play of the first contact between Aboriginals and James Cook
- learn about the daily life of the Aboriginal people and Europeans
- explore the natural bushland, shore and monuments
- consider the significance of this site for Australia's history.
Cross Curriculum priorities
Perspectives of traditional Aboriginal lifestyle are integrated throughout the program.
Before the excursion
To get the most out of the excursion to Botany Bay teachers and students are encouraged to:
Disclaimer: Students will participate in a role play to understand the first contact between James Cook and the local Aboriginal men in 1770. The role play contains some confrontational aspects and teachers may need to consider if any of their students would find this to be stressful. The re-enactment is based on primary sources in particular Joseph Banks’ journal.
Download the First contacts excursion flyer (PDF 867MB)
Supplementary resources
Endeavour - Eight Days in Kamay
For a virtual tour of the Endeavour go to the Australian National Maritime Museum.
