On Tuessday, 29 August, 2006, Years 5C, 5F, 5I Year 5 children from the composite class Year 5/6K from Rochedale State School went on an excursion to learn about Australia's Gold Rush Days.  Set up in bush behind Beenleigh, just south of Brisbane and run by ex -teachers, the day is a wonderful opportunity for the children to experience first hand the gold rush days and conditions experienced by our early settlers. everyone learnt heaps and had a great day. Here's some photos.
We all walked down to the bus. We had plenty of room as we had 2 buses.
A great view out the front window. Finally, we arrived to be met by a fellow on a horse!!
We set out following the horseman. He took us down the bush track.
Trooper Johnson arrived and asked if we'd seen a stranger. Suddenly a masked bushranger came riding down on us!!
We had some gold to hide from him!! But the bushranger sound found it and took it!!
We all had to crouch down while Trooper Johnson tried to capture the bushranger. Soon we arrived in the town called Down Under.
A horse was waiting to be shoed at the Saddlers. We all sat down while Trooper Johnson talked to us.
We learnt all the rules of the Goldrush. Then we set off to explore the town.
There were plenty of signs around. Children explored the gold creek!
Time for a cup of billy tea while the children explored. This was the mine shaft.
Time for some tentmaking. Lucky the kids had homes to go to!!
First finished? Soon the kids got the hang of it.
Here's the butcher's tent. Here's the school tent.
Then it was off to the creek for some role playing. Digger Doug showed us how to pan for gold.
Then some children had a go. Any gold there?
The troopers check the miner's licences. Everyone enjoyed learning how to pan for gold!!
Then it was for some haggling at the General Store!! Mrs Crew found some gold.
What would you like to buy?. Time to fold up the tents.
This was followed by the bushranger mapping activity. Children had to follow the map to find their bushranger.
Some help was much appreciated!! This group found their bushranger.
Mary Ann Bugg married a bushranger. Then it was time to wash our hands for lunch!
Yummy sausages for lunch. And seconds and thirds for some!
What sort of sauce would you like? Some damper cooked in the coals was just right for dessert.
Trooper Johnson was a crook aim with the maple syrup!! Then it was time for the gold rush.
Off we go to look for gold!! We brought it back to swap for cash!
The parents were hard bargainers!! Look what I found!!
Then we swapped our money for lollies!! They look yummy!!
Then we gave out some certificates!! Captain Lucas gave some for tent making.
Then he showed us how to crack a whip!! Then he did it on the horse!!
And standing up as well!! Capt Lucas escaped but came back to say goodbye!!
What a great Day we had!!

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