Eco-awareness starts with special projects
Sydney Morning Herald
Monday March 22, 2010
THE BEACH SCHOOL, ALLAMBIE HEIGHTSEATING IT UPHere's a fun way to learn history, geography, gain insights into other cultures and protect the environment at the same time €” all by eating.That's the lucky task faced by a group of special-needs students at the Beach School, Allambie Heights in Sydney's north.The school runs a permaculture garden as part of its Around the World in 80 Meals program, in which students grow food popular in other countries and regions, such as South-East Asia, while learning how to protect the environment.ENVIRONMENTAL LESSONSCooking and eating the results is always fun, says principal Sue Kydd."Our students learn the history and geography of the country in focus, science and maths in the cooking process and more science in the growing of plants, management of soil and pests," she says. The small school offers a successful environmental awareness program for its 21 special-needs students, the principal says.INITIATIVESActivities include:A permaculture garden, part of the Around the World in 80 Meals project.Bush care.Climate Clever Energy Savers program €” an initiative in which students develop energy-saving and greenhouse gas-reduction ideas in the school, aimed at practical changes, such as cutting down on power use.CARING FOR THEIR COMMUNITYThe students do bush clearing at the school to allow native plants to recolonise. Duties include weekly weed clearing and caring for the endangered Acacia terminalis (sunshine wattle) species .But their efforts aren't restricted to their own environment and students work hard to contribute to their local community by caring for bushland."During the process, students are learning about biodiversity, native and introduced species, work skills and being a responsible citizen," Kydd says.And students say the projects give them new respect for their environment."I've never grown a vegetable garden before but I appreciate that food doesn't just come from the supermarket," Jarrad*, 15, says.Fellow student Joel*, 15, enjoys contributing to his community. "Bush care is good €” clearing out the weeds and non-natives covering up the native plants," he says.* Full names withheld at school's request.
© 2010 Sydney Morning Herald