By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
STUDENTS at The Patch Primary School are learning about the environment – and winning awards while they’re at it.
The school was presented by the Yarra Ranges Council with the Best HabitAt Action award last week.
They won the award for a wildlife corridor planted after extensive planning and research into the best species to choose and most suitable garden for the environment.
Council’s Learning for Sustainability officer, Simon Woodland, visited the school last Wednesday to present the award at assembly. He said The Patch Primary had the right approach to environmental education.
“The students here are involved in every step of the process – the planning, designing and finally the planting.
“It’s a job that could be done really quickly by adults, but it’s beneficial to include the students. They definitely take more away from hands-on experience.”
The annual HabitAt School Awards recognise and reward schools for undertaking environmental education projects.
The Patch Primary School was presented with a trophy and prize package, courtesy of council and Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater.
Mr Woodland said the prize was the culmination of the school’s commitment to its environmental curriculum over the last few years.
“Environmental education is a priority, and it’s really great to see. Projects like this teach students about conservation as well as helping the local environment.”
Schools in the Learning for Sustainability program are supported by the council to implement environmental education into their curriculum. The program has been internationally recognised for its work in assisting schools to better understand their environment and teaching students about how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.
The program is offered free by the council to all schools within the Yarra Ranges.
