School farms - funding applications

Congratulations to the following schools who successfully gained Farm Grants for the 2008 school year.

Bridgewater High School – ‘Backyard to Broad acre-Pathways to employment in the rural industry’
The construction and renovation of yards, holding pens and facilities for animal husbandry practices will create an authentic learning resource for students of all grades and abilities, so that they can acquire practical skills and a genuine understanding of environmental sustainability, animal welfare and enterprise. This project will create a safe work environment, infrastructure and current technology that will allow students to have a realistic taste of work in the rural industry and to experience the scope of opportunities available. Students will have developed skills for future employment and a genuine understanding of their chosen career path.

Cressy District High School – ‘Enterprise: Sheep and Cattle-Our way to the future’
The aim of this project is to redevelop the Cressy District High School sheep stud, improve cattle and sheep handling facilities, meet occupational health and safety requirements and improve animal handling practices. Through the adoption of programs such as Lamb Boost* and Lamb Plan* the project will increase opportunities for all grades to participate in future vocational studies in Agriculture and develop employability skills. All students will be able to participate in handling and management activities including developing feed programs, learning about basic biology, reproduction and animal health care and preparing for show presentation. *Lamb Boost is a program funded by the Wool Initiative Program. Lamb Plan was developed by the Meat and Livestock Association (MLA).

Huonville High School – ‘Development and Refurbishing of Farm Infrastructure’
The project will help the school establish the farm as a self funding and enterprising rural educational centre. The project will focus on diversity, permaculture and enterprise; building authentic pathway skills in the rural industry. The school vision is to transform the farm into a unique rural studies centre. Increased opportunities will enable students to engage in academic courses, pathway planning and to build on community networks. Through the project the school can provide students with pathways to further education, training and future employment.

Boat Harbour Primary School – ‘Learning Beyond the Classroom’
The project aims for students, from Years 1 to 6, to benefit from increased opportunities to be involved in rural studies and investigations into sustainable agriculture. The project will provide for fencing of student garden areas and separate stock areas, establish a viewing platform and allow for repairs to essential equipment. Programs such as Co-Pilots and Community Help extend to neighbouring schools and ensure the successful involvement of all students in farm activities and learning programs beyond the classroom.

Tasman District School – ‘Tasman School Enterprise’
The project aims to further develop the garden, farm and wetland area utilised by students from K to 12 and to integrate recycling, composting, increased production and the development of sound horticultural practices. Through the project students will gain skills for life, healthy eating practices and enterprise knowledge through a ‘marketing’ program. The project also aims to combine the resources within the Tasman Organic Environmental Education Centre and encourages community involvement.

Wynyard High School – ‘Development & Rejuvenation of School Farm’
The goal of the project is to maintain a small sustainable working farm and to design, construct and maintain a fenced vegetable garden and orchard. In particular, the project will foster the involvement of special needs students in an enterprise arrangement with local business, support the transition program of students from feeder primary schools, further strengthen the links with local community and triple the number of students able to actively participate in agriculture. With the assistance of the School Association, head of Agricultural Studies, council, local farmers and business the development of an action plan will enable the school to create sustainable resources for future years.

Woodbridge School – ‘Whole Farm and Pathway Planning Enterprise’
The Whole Farm Plan aims to serve the interests of the whole school, tapping the enterprising resources of the Woodbridge community. The plan will include soil testing and land capability, mapping defined areas, with an identified community and student vision and strategies. Community partnerships will support the plan and practical student enterprise projects will be developed including growing produce and seed species in cooperation with local producers and markets. Formal partnerships with local community farmers and local enterprises will provide mentoring and leadership opportunities, in addition to authentic learning and pathway experiences.

Glenora District High School – ‘Branching Out: Cultivating Partnerships for Sustainable Growth’
The project aims to revitalise the Glenora school farm through consolidating community partnerships and maximising school community involvement in sustainable enterprises in viticulture, olive growing, an apple orchard and the ‘Vegie Patch’ school/community garden. Emphasis is placed on sharing intergenerational knowledge to model best practice in water and soil management, exploring and refining sustainable practices through curriculum, enterprise activities, the provision of authentic learning opportunities and vocational pathways for students with local agri-businesses.

Schools who were not successful this year are strongly encouraged to reapply next year when a further $100 000 will be allocated.