Last week a compliment of twelve teachers visited The Living Classroom (TLC). They were from schools across the region, and from as far as Mungindi, Gunnedah and Glen Innes.
They were there to consider the new Secondary Science Curricula. The focus of the new curricula is ‘discovery’, finding out about the world and beyond, through investigation. The visit was organised by Bingara Central School’s Science Teacher Scott Crispin.
The Gwydir Learning Region Manager, Rick Hutton, welcomed the visitors. Rick told how he had discovered that the word ‘science’ means the study and pursuit of natural truth and suggested that many of the fields of science to be studied could be observed and experimented with at The Living Classroom.
Regional science teachers take a stroll through The Crop Cove at The Living Classroom.
The teachers took a short walk on the site, including the crossing of the Crop Cove Swamp and were amazed by the rich variety of plants that were flourishing in that dynamic ecosystem, a site that was designed and shaped just three years ago.
The teachers were also impressed by the Bunkhouse and student facilities on offer at TLC and several have expressed interest in bringing their students to the site next year.
Beside the activities at TLC Rick Hutton also told the teachers about The Carbon Farm, a community operated project of 100 hectares being established within but independent of TLC. The webpage for The Carbon Farm was also launched last week (www.thecarbonfarm.com.au)
Visitors are welcome at any time to The Living Classroom and to The Carbon Farm. Take a stroll and see what is going on at these ‘growing concerns’ within the Gwydir Shire or to arrange a tour contact Rick Hutton on 0438 355197 or by email at rhutton@gwydir.nsw.gov.au.
Submitted by Gwydir Learning Region Manager, Rick Hutton.
