Senior students sowing seeds

Busselton Senior High School’s recently built sustainable garden received its first injection of life before the end of term two.

Picture by Troy Douglas: Busselton Senior High School teacher Lee Cooper with students (clockwise from back) Jesse Lilly, Izzy Lyon, Jake Collins, Yasmin Riley, Kiri O’Neill and Jesse Deas.

Students from Years 8 to 12 planted seeds supplied by environmental resource group HotRock for various winter vegetables and companion flowers.

Year 8 English teacher Lee Cooper said the chance to join fellow students outdoors was used to motivate her classes.

It also provided a way for children who weren’t necessarily academically minded to gain a sense of achievement.

The ongoing student ownership and collaboration needed to ensure growth in the garden was expected to be a significant learning tool for all students, not just those in science or environment-focused subjects.

“It’s all part of the school ‘RAP’ ethos; respect, attend and participate,” Year 8 co-ordinator Sue Schlueter said.

“So the garden gives them an opportunity to demonstrate two of those virtues.”