how many students usually participate in the education tours at one time?
20-150.
how long is the tour?
Our Educational Programs range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours in length. Click here to find out more about specific programs.
is there a detailed itinerary available of what is discussed/activities etc, while on the education tours?
There are summaries of each of our Educational Programs on our website and Teachers Kits with pre & post visit activities available for download, click here. Content remains the same however buildings used and routes are subject to change.
are there any worksheets available used on this tour?
Click here to download the Teachers Kit with suggested pre and post-visit activities.
how long should we plan on staying onsite?
Depending on the size of the group, teachers should allow 20-40 minutes for access into and out of the site before & after the tour. If the group is staying for lunch and an extended visit, this usually takes place in the wharf precinct. We generally recommend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for an extended stay with lunch and activities. Please let us know at the time of booking.
what time do school groups usually arrive if they are participating in a program in the morning?
This is up to the organising teacher but usually between 8.30 and 10.30 AM.
what happens on the day of the excursion?
Groups arrive (generally by coach) at the entrance to the site and are met by the guide(s) who accompany them to the waiting shelter in the top car park. They are introduced to the guides, orientated to the site, and the ground rules are laid out.
Up to 30 students are taken by the guide for their walking tour, we try to keep class groups together. Some groups may get transport into the site at the beginning of the tour, some may get transport out at the end of the tour, but this is not guaranteed and teachers and students should be prepared for a considerable amount of walking.
For the Primary Education tours - all come together at the end to do hands-on activities that students are encouraged to take home with them.
After a brief wrap-up in which guides ask for feedback from the students about their visit, the guides walk the groups out (depending on where they are onsite) or they may be transported to meet their coach at the entrance to the site.
is it possible for school groups to have recess or lunch on the grounds of the Q Station before or after the tour?
Yes, we encourage school groups to do so because having some downtime onsite helps to integrate the learning and makes for a more meaningful overall experience. Please discuss this with our Education Coordinator education@qstation.com.au We also have catering options available for school groups.
can we have morning tea or lunch during the tour?
The time allotted for the tours does not include time for morning tea, recess, or lunch. We recommend students eat before or after the tour. However, we can usually incorporate a break for morning tea.
Does Q Station have a teacher/guardian ratio policy?
2 Teachers/Supervisors per class group (24).
what measures are in place to ensure the safety of the children whilst at the Q Station?
We have a Risk Management Plan which can be downloaded. Click here. Teachers should read this document carefully and understand the risks and responsibilities involved. All of our guides have undergone background and working with children checks.
on the website, it is mentioned that these programs can be arranged as either a half day or full day programs, what are the cost differences and what extra things are included in the full day tour?
A full-day (4-6 hours) program would include more in-depth workshops based on the curriculum goals and interests of the group. Please contact the Education Coordinator for more information education@qstation.com.au , (02) 9466 1500.
i am hoping to visit the Q Station before my excursion.
Please click here for opening hours.
is there parking?
There is free parking at the entrance to the site for private vehicles. However, there are no provisions for coaches to enter, turn-around or park onsite. Coaches must drop off and pick up passenger at the entrance to the site. There is a public bus stop that can be used for this purpose and the guides will meet the school groups to facilitate a safe transition.