1.3 Geography: Sustainability. Compost project

School news:

As you are aware, with the help of the local community, the school has embarked on a plan to replace the unused grass area near the old classrooms into a community garden. It is hoped that the school will be able to employ a specialist garden teacher within the next two years if the project is found to be viable for the long-term.

How they are learning:

The Year 4 cohort was asked to brainstorm ideas of how they can assist in the implementation of the new garden to make it sustainable for the environment. Students came up with a range of ideas, however developing a school compost system to support the garden was chosen overall. In collaborative learning groups they needed to conduct research to answer the following:

1.       What can be put into compost?

2.      Equipment needed?                                                         

3.      How often it needed to be collected/turned over?

4.      What is compost used for? How does it work?

This learning was supported by an excursion to our local garden centre, where students spent time talking to the garden specialists about the importance of compost. Did you know that compost improves the flavour of fruit and vegetables? Ask your child about the other interesting facts they found out.

Students have explored:

·         What sustainability is.

·         What people can do to keep the earth healthy so the planet can support humans and other living things.

·         How different views about sustainability can influence/affect the environment.

Upcoming event: Students will be presenting their plans to the school in the assembly on Friday 30^th October. Contact the office or myself for further details.

Curriculum goals:

Geography will be the main-focus with Science, Numeracy and Literacy subjects being embedded throughout the unit. General Capabilities and Cross- Curricular Priorities will also be included with sustainability being the standout of the latter.

Why it is important:

·         Develops student knowledge, skills, values and world views on how to act and contribute to sustainable living.

·         Helps communities to reflect on how they can support a sustainable environment for the future.

·         Environment, social and economic strains, such as climate change require countries to work together to stop/slow down the effects this is having on the earth. “This is done by teaching scientific concepts and principles to our children to allow students to approach problem-solving in new creative ways.

Supporting learning:

Consider collecting your food scraps to start a compost system at home.

Volunteer in the new garden to help support your child’s authentic learning experience.