Farrer Primary Environment Centre
Farrer Primary is an ACT Government Waste Wise Lighthouse School.

How the Environment Centre was established

• Principal and staff saw a need for more wet areas for hands on science, horticulture and technology based activities;
• Committee of parents, teachers and community was formed;
• Architect parent designed building to our specifications;
• Three years of planning and fund raising;
• Families were also encouraged to buy a brick or donate;
• Environment Centre was built.

Features of the Environment Centre

• Separate building within the school that is in close proximity to classrooms, centrally located in the playground and visible;
• Compost bins for both the chooks and the worms producing all our own organic fertiliser;
• Ten plots for planting;
• Pond;
• Compost heaps;
• Classroom;
• Two worm farms;
• Chicken pen; and
• Fruit trees and grape vines.

Environmental Science Teacher’s Role

• To promote and teach environmental science through multimedia, project work, practical animal care and horticulture;
• Provide a weekly 90 minute lesson in the Centre for each class;
• Program is hands on using SOSE and Science Profiles;
• Lessons are very hands-on which results in completed project work and concrete results, ie produce from the garden and evidence of horticultural process;
• Encourage children to feel they have ownership of the centre; Certain students and classes have daily jobs, involving the garden, compost and animals;
• Involvement with CSIRO Education Officer and neighbouring Primary Schools;
• Sell eggs, produce;
• Links to outer community eg; local organic food shop; Local Nursery and Hardware store.

Enviro Kids Club

• Two representatives from each class attend the club every Tuesday at lunch time;
• New representatives are nominated each term;
• Students learn about the Environment Centre and it’s surroundings in more detail;
• Sometimes Enviro Kids are involved in special projects, such as, building the pond or spreading wood chip.