ACCur – Connecting to Country  

On Friday, March 1st, our Year 9 RISE students embarked on an educational excursion to Cranbourne Gardens, delving into their understanding of Indigenous Flora and Fauna. 

The excursion was led by our dedicated Art, Science, Mathematics, and Wellbeing staff, aligning with our STEM cross-curricular program with a specific focus on the Aboriginal Content Curriculum. Throughout the tour amidst the vibrant scenic beauty of the garden, students received insightful knowledge. 

Highlights of the excursion included learning about indigenous fire-burning practices, identifying native animal tracks, exploring the diverse uses of native plants for healing, understanding eel traps, and gaining insights into water management practices. This newfound knowledge forms a crucial part of our upcoming project to establish an active native garden within our school, paying homage to the Bunnarong country we learn and work in. Central to the learning development is Critical Design Thinking, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various STEM subject areas. 

We were fortunate to experience splendid weather, contributing to an enjoyable learning experience as we explored the well-structured landscape at Cranbourne Gardens. Anticipation builds for our next adventure, as we plan to delve deeper into Indigenous culture and natural history during our upcoming visit to the Koorie Heritage Trust in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned for more updates!