The National Trust has developed a new range of school programs for primary levels Yrs 1- 6.

Let students take on a crew role under the direction of the First mate.

These programs offer students a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of those who actually lived and worked aboard Melbourne’s favourite Tall ship - the Polly Woodside.

The one hour facilitated sessions aboard ship include a range of hands-on activities and engaging experiences from using the capstan to hauling sails to scrubbing decks and learning the fine arts of navigation.

The excursion includes entry to the Gallery and a film about the life of George Andrews, the ship's carpenter in 1904 and his journey aboard the ship.

Bookings & Price
Cost for all Polly Discovery programs is $7 per student. Teachers and carers and are permitted free entry.

Special Discount "Ocean Adventure" package with Melbourne Aquarium
Book into the school program at the Melbourne Aquarium (just 10 min walk from Polly) & receive $1 discount off school admission per student.
Group Size
The maximum group size is 80. The minimum group size is 20.

Getting there
The Polly Woodside is located between the Yarra River and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Clarendon Street, Melbourne. Public Trans port 10 minute walk from Southern Cross Station or a short stroll from Tram Stop No.124A-Clarendon Street-Spencer St Bridge.

Parking
Available at South Wharf Shopping Centre.

Bookings Contact
For more details about our Polly Discovery Programs, please contact our education bookings line: (03) 8663 7260 or email: bookings@nattrust.com.au
Click the link below to download the Education and Group booking form.

Program Details

Level 2: Blow the Man Down!

For full outline, VELS map and pre and post activities. Download now.

Focus: Who’s doing What on the Polly

VELS level 2 - Year level 1 and 2 (can cater for preps)

Key Learning area, English, Humanities, The Arts

“With a wey-hey, blow the man down!” ... the rhythmic chants eminating from this program about say it all. The sea shanty, “Blow The Man Down’ takes centre stage as students explore the mysteries of who worked onboard the Polly Woodside, where they slept and ate, and whattrades and skills were needed.

Level 3: Ship-shape and ready to sail

Focus: Skills and technology
VEL S level 3 Year level 3 and 4

Key Learning area:Technology, Science, English, Humanities, The ArtsMany a sailor was inexperienced when they chose the sailing life, however some sought
proper training.

In this program, students are assigned the role of a crew member (captain right through to the
crew) who is being examined for a certificate of competency. They will need to demonstrate
knowledge and skills in order to pass.
Various skills are learned and tested during the session including ringing the bell, raising the anchor, keeping watch, using a telescope, sextant and compass, furling a sail and steering the ship. If students pass these tests (and they do) the class is awarded a ‘Certificate of Competency to sail the Polly Woodside’. Exploring the unique sailing technology used onboard the Polly also forms part of this program.

New Education Programs for 2011

Over 35,000 students annually enjoy our programs at Victoria’s premier heritage attractions.

Take your students on an excursion to a 19th C tall ship Polly Woodside, Melbourne's Old Magistrates Court, the Old Melbourne Gaol, Governor La Trobe's modest early colonial home, the McCrae's pioneer homestead and the splendour of Rippon Lea and Como's grand estates and mansions.

Our new programs include a History - in - a Box handling collection you can borrow and Mrs Sargood incursion program.

Download our complete program booklet for details.