Darwin High School – Westpac Education Award

Project Profile

Issues

In collaboration with Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA), Darwin High School Year 10 and Secondary Intensive English Unit students along with 25 teachers and school support staff, completed a week-long “Students for Conservation” community involvement initiative. Students worked at various locations around Darwin on conservation activities learning about weed management, water quality, habitat protection and urban and marine debris.

Project Detail

Darwin High School has been nominated for a National Landcare Award for its work in implementing the “Students for Conservation” program.

In collaboration with Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA), all Year 10 and Secondary Intensive English Unit students along with 25 teachers and school support staff completed a week-long “Students for Conservation” community involvement initiative. Students worked at various locations around Darwin on conservation activities learning about weed management, water quality, habitat protection and urban and marine debris.

The project aimed to provide students with a greater understanding of the need for conservation and land care as well as giving them the opportunity to participate in community volunteer work.

Working directly with CVA, using their expert knowledge and skills, students were exposed to a range of conservation practices and participated in pre and post activities back in the classroom to reinforce the skills and knowledge learnt.

Students were also required to complete a reflective journal on the week of conservation activities and were interviewed by local media on their key learning’s from the program.

As a result of the overwhelming positive response from the students, staff, the media and landcare groups, Darwin High has made a commitment to continue the project in future years.

Teachers have developed classroom resources and the “hands on” approach with CVA will remain an important part of the program. The school has also established a steering committee with staff and CVA to further develop the program.

The Darwin High School project is one of 88 finalists in the National Landcare Awards to be announced in Canberra on 24 June 2010.  Commencing in 1991, the Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups that make a valuable contribution to the land and coast where they live and work.

Photography

Darwin High School - Westpac Education Award