Over the last two days I hosted one hundred and forty-five year 9 geography students. They were at our place to gain a deeper insight into the unit they are studying called Feeding the World’s People. At school they had been exploring what is going wrong in our current food system. During their field trip here I organised a team of people to offer insights into sustainable agriculture in practice and to help students understand what sustainable food systems could look like.

Welcoming the year 9 geography students to the Sustainable Food Systems field trip.

Bringing these kids out of the classroom and immersing them in nature and permaculture for even just a day had a huge impact. They got hands-on in an organic market garden, explored a sustainable bamboo farm, paddled in the cool waters of a pristine creek, were invited into a  permaculture home and garden and engaged in deep discussion about sustainable and community food systems.

Students visit our ecohome during there permaculture home garden tour.

The teachers couldn’t believe how focussed, calm and involved even the ‘challenging’ students were.  It was no surprise to us, we see it all the time.

Students explore the components of a sustainable food system.

Evan and I have hosted school groups here for 17 years, from primary school to year 12. Our work, examples and approach particularly supports the geography curriculum.

School camp and tour seasons are a highlight of our teaching year, and of our kids. They help us set up, lead the sessions and sometimes join in as participants.

Our daughter loves the high school group visits.