Beyond Brunswick

The learning experience can be most powerful when applied to real-world scenarios.

Angela Olah

Teacher - Science

Having studied methods of critically evaluating the dynamics of ecosystem function and using scientific and geographical skills to analyse the biodiversity of the BSC school grounds, our young environmental leaders from Home Groups 9S & 10S were ready to take to the field at the Mt Rothwell Conservation & Research Reserve.

Mt. Rothwell is a unique area of managed land located in Little River, Victoria. Expert ecologists from the likes of Melbourne University, Zoos Victoria and Landcare Australia collaborate to work with the natural ecosystem to house and restore many of Australia's significant endangered species. This was a fantastic opportunity for the students not only to learn from experts in the field, but to also see firsthand the challenges and strategies used to protect Victoria’s biodiversity on an ecosystem, species and genetics level – bringing the concepts studied in class to life! 

Students participated in a range of field work activities to analyse the management strategies used, learning about the importance of controlling introduced pests and understanding the ecology of the many native species living at the site. We were even lucky enough to spot individuals from the southern brush-tailed rock-wallaby population – a rare site given there are only 50 individuals surviving in the wild! The expert tour guides were able to explain the importance of the breeding programs at Mt.Rothwell, as well as methods of maintaining genetic biodiversity of the species which are all key drivers to successfully repopulating wild areas. 

Students collaborated to replicate the work of field ecologists, analysing the traces of animals such as scats, skulls and tracks to expertly identify the species present. They were also able to compare and contrast the ecosystem engineering of the digging marsupial such as the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, as opposed to the destructive damage caused by rabbits.  

Overall, the day provided fantastic discussion points about ethics and the efficacy of biodiversity management strategies. The work completed by the students provided a strong platform for critically evaluating their previously proposed initiatives from the CERES Student Environmental Leadership forum, allowing them to enhance their suggestions for improving BSC. 

Stephanie Barwick 

Year 9

Our excursion to Mount Rothwell was really enjoyable. It was nice to see different animals inside the rehabilitation centre, and how the staff were helping the species numbers increase by looking after the animals. While there, we saw  wallabies, birds, bettongs and bandicoots, which I found really cool.  I also enjoyed the long walks and hikes we went on, as well as learning about the creation of healthy and efficient ecosystems and the roles played by different species. It was a fun time.

Zachary Yiolitis 

Year 9

We travelled to to Mount Rothwell to examine biodiversity in a natural environment and the different ways to conserve and measure this biodeversity. 

It was interesting to see such a great example of our environment in action. My favourite part was when we were allowed to free roam through a particular section of the area to identify the tracks, burrows and animals. We found some really interesting things throughout our adventure including a dead snake, a live snake, mushrooms, several animal burrows and lots of native species of grasses and trees.

Click on the gallery below to enlarge more photos of this excursion