Early to rise
About the program
This Stage 1 History program gives students the opportunity to explore the working areas of the former farm, and investigate what life would have been like for children living there in the late 1800s.
Students visit the old milking shed and explore the beautiful stables that the Rouse family built for their horses. They learn about the vital role of horses at the time, as an essential means of transport and for getting work done around the farm. They shift bags of chaff, polish saddles in the tack-room and hear what poet Banjo Patterson had to say about the Rouse ‘Crooked R’ brand.
As chores would have been part of daily life for children living on the farm in the late 1800s, students have the chance to experience some of these for themselves; feeding the chooks, hanging out the washing and pumping water.
Early to Rise complements the other Stage 1 History program at Rouse Hill Estate, Lessons from the Past. NB Please see the Lessons from the Past page for cost scale of combining the two programs.
Key information
Location
Rouse Hill Estate
356 Annangrove Road, Rouse Hill NSW 2155
Bookings +61 2 8239 2211
Cost (GST free)
From $200 for up to 20 students
Duration
90 minutes
Session offered
Monday to Friday
Maximum students
60 per session
Supervision ratios
The supervision ratio is 1:10 for primary groups and 1:15 for secondary groups. Teachers and parents attend free of charge at these ratios. One carer per student with special needs will be admitted free of charge
Additional visitor costs
Each additional visitor will be charged at the concession rate of $12
Complementary programs

Onsite
Child's play
Students learn about what it was like to live at Vaucluse House for the wealthy family of William Charles and Sarah Wentworth, with their ten children and many servants

Onsite
Lessons from the past
Integrating outcomes from History, PDHPE and Creative Arts, this program gives students the opportunity to learn first hand about what school life was like in the late 19th century

Onsite
Now and then
As students are guided through the property, they discover that the household lived without the benefits of running water, bathrooms, electricity, appliances or paved roads