Annesley Junior School returns to Forktree
We were delighted to welcome Annesley Junior School back to Forktree last week.
The Year 6/7 students weeded two areas in preparation for the planting of native grasses propagated in the Forktree seed nursery, used salvaged brick pieces to complete the gabion retaining wall and cleaned up salvaged whole bricks. These activities, along with inspection of the seed nursery tubestock and infrastructure made from recycled materials (the pad filled with reused rubble, the steps made from old building timber salvaged onsite and the potting tables constructed from recycled pallets), offered powerful learning opportunities to complement their Unit of Inquiry: ‘Ethical business balances market forces with responsible decision making.’
A huge thank you to Annesley for their support of The Forktree Project. We are proud to share their feedback:
“We loved what you did last week - the small group workshop style worked so well. Having you and Tim working alongside the students to share information and skills was perfect, and your ways of tuning them in and creating reflection opportunites are so great too! Very grateful for our partnership and feel privileged to learn and see what you both do - truly.” Jo Rossiter, Head of Primary Years
Last but not least, some feedback from the students themselves:
What did I enjoy?
I enjoyed everything there.
I really enjoyed going back to the trees I planted last time I came and seeing how the place had changed. I also really liked talking to Tim and Liz again, as well as weeding.
I enjoyed making the wall because we got to write our name on a brick.
I enjoyed looking into sustainability and cleaning the bricks with the special brick cleaner. I also really enjoyed weeding and looking at the progress we had made. It was also cool to learn about native plants.
What did I learn?
I learned about all the different types of trees and what conditions they need to grow.
I learned a lot, such as how to use a jack hammer and what koalas’ favourite eucalypt is. … Another thing I learned is what kangaroo and wallaby grass look like.
I learned about how they make all of their resources ethical and sustainable for the environment. We learned about how they re-use rubble for a more eco-friendly area.
I learned 3 things: 1. You can re-use rubble in many different ways such as as a base for a building. 2. We learned about sustainability and how we can use it to run a business. 3. I learned how to find leftover waste and construct something with it.
How do I feel now about how I can help the planet? What decisions can I make?
Now I can make good decisions by reusing plastic, growing your own veggies and planting trees.
I’m going to plant many more trees on my farm... I am determined to plant more trees in the cleared areas, especially the field.
Trying to not put so much waste in landfill.
I am now going to work on trying to reuse materials and grow more native plants.
I feel like I made a small impact on the planet. It may not be major but I’m happy.
We couldn’t ask for better evidence that getting young people involved at Forktree has the potential to make a difference. Thank you, Annesley Year 6 and 7s!
