Year 7 Humanities students undertook a dedicated fieldwork excursion to the You Yangs as part of their major summative assessment task focusing on human impacts on natural landscapes. The central objective of this field trip was the collection of authentic primary data, enabling students to move beyond classroom theory and engage directly with geographical inquiry methods in an operational natural setting.
Through hands-on data collection, observational mapping, and environmental auditing, students investigated the delicate equilibrium between natural ecological processes and the ongoing pressures exerted by human usage. This field experience allowed students to contextualise their classroom learning, applying theoretical frameworks of landscape alteration, conservation, and land management directly to a distinct local environment.
A core pillar of the Year 7 geographical investigation centers on understanding the profound cultural significance of the You Yangs (Wurdi Youang) to the Traditional Owners, the Wadawurrung people. During the excursion, students explored how the granite peaks have served as a vital cultural, spiritual, and functional landmark for thousands of years.
To support their research, students attended an instructional presentation delivered by Parks Victoria. This session provided essential context regarding the operational management of regional parks and highlighted the ongoing efforts required to maintain biodiversity alongside visitor recreational access. The presentation supported students with their fieldwork to explore, discuss and collect data, developing a greater appreciation of how different factors shape the natural environment and peoples’ connections to it.
The data gathered during the trip will serve as the foundation for the students' upcoming fieldwork assessment reports. Back in the classroom, students will analyse their findings, and evaluate the evidence to construct data-driven evaluations of human impact.
Beyond fulfilling assessment criteria, the excursion fostered a deeper environmental awareness and personal connection to the land. By observing the immediate effects of foot traffic, urban encroachment, and resource management, students developed a practical appreciation for how everyday human decisions shape local ecosystems. This experience reinforced the importance of sustainable environmental stewardship, assisting students to present well-reasoned, evidence-based conclusions in their final Humanities report.
