Education Programs at Rippon Lea

Rippon Lea Estate and mansion is a National Heritage Listed 19th century mansion complete with authentic kitchen complex, 14 acres of gardens, a lake, four islands, a tower, a huge fernery and a waterfall. Students and teachers will find Rippon Lea a unique learning environment offering a varied program suitable for lower to mid primary levels.

New Primary Program at Rippon Lea

We have recently launched a brand new education program with new student activities. Our aim is to engage students interest in history by making the program at Rippon Lea as interactive as possible.

Sessions & numbers:

We offer a full day for groups up to 60 in number. Groups are split into smaller groups of a maximum of 15. A day program consists of four activities plus breaks for morning tea and lunch. Two of the activities are self lead. We recommend students bring their own lunches and drinks to eat in the parklands.

Wet Weather Warning:

Some of Rippon Lea's programs are based on outdoor activities. Teachers should be aware that wet weather will disrupt their day. We are happy to reschedule a visit cancelled due to bad weather.

Program of Activities:

The Time Machine Experience: This group activity graphically illustrates concepts of the time and the past and draws comparisons between Then & Now. Traveling back in time using a 'real' time machine to the year 1887 students learn about the Sargood family and children from the 19th Century. They examine original domestic objects and tour the Rippon Lea mansion as time travellers.

World of Work: This activity reveals to students the variety of 19th Century domestic occupations from scullery maids to washerwomen to butlers. Students are invited to answer the advertisement for a domestic servant. They learn about life downstairs in contrast to upstairs and perform a variety of activities in the kitchens and laundries of Rippon Lea.

19th Century games: Classic games from the 19th century offers students a physical activity with an historic theme. Croquet, quoits and other 19th century games are offered.

Creature Catcher: A self lead trail to find the missing creatures from Rippon Lea’s past and present.

Bookings:

Contact Martin Green, Learning & Access Manager Martin.Green@nattrust.com.au

or phone on 9656 9822 or 0407 415 665 to make a booking for Rippon Lea.

Minimum booking for the Primary program is 30 students.

How to get there:

Main entrance at 182 Hotham Street Elsterrnwick. Melways Reference: 67E2 . Parking all day on Hotham Street for coaches and cars. Rippon Lea station on the Sandringham line is five minutes walk Walk eastwards from Rippon Lea station up Glen Eira road and turn right at Hotham Street.