Gifted & Talented and Integrated English STEM excursion

On Friday, the students in the Gifted and Talented (GATE) and Integrated English (IE) program were blessed with the opportunity to visit the Yarra Ranges Tech School. We took part in the Urban Farming program, which taught us the useful skills of sustainability in modern farming and we explored a variety of technological equipment.

This included, a real-time simulation of rooftop farming which taught us how to manage a farm with a budget, while also analysing the positives and negatives of our decisions. All groups managed to yield over 15,000 kilograms worth of crops, with one group amassing over 70,000 kilograms of yields!

Additionally, we were able to design our own farms, cafés and menus utilising the Garden Planner 3 App. We all created unique designs, showcasing our teamwork, productivity and understanding of what we been taught by the wonderful staff at the Yarra Ranges Tech School. Then we pitched our ideas to the staff as if they were our future investors, resulting in a cascade of giggles and delight.

Our favourite part of the excursion was the interactive simulation that immersed us in a real-time urban-farming environment. It enabled us to respond to different scenarios by identifying, implementing, and evaluating solutions.

We thank the brilliant staff at the Yarra Ranges Tech School who guided us every step of the way, overflowing with passion and patience. Also, to our fabulous Oxley teachers, Ms Ruhnau and Miss Shen, for providing us with this wonderful experience.

Ellie Kang (7.1) and Celina Weir-Marshall (7.4)