Hands-on learning for Joey’s students

A PARTNERSHIP between Basils Farm and St Joseph’s College Geelong is giving students an opportunity to learn outside the confines of the classroom.

St Joseph’s teacher Peter Adams said the program launched in 2016 in response to parents, industry experts and students seeking an opportunity for VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) students to gain employability and life skills.

“Basils was chosen as the major feature of our year 10 program as it allows the best opportunities for applied learners to understand what they do and don’t like about the trade industries,” Mr Adams said.

“On the farm students get the chance to taste trades such as building and construction, plumbing, agriculture and horticulture livestock management, landscaping, environmental science, customer service and hospitality.

“This opportunity also exposes students to possible career pathways, helping them identify personal strengths and areas for growth. The Basils Farm staff are passionate about the environment, food and wine, giving back to the community, and of course, working with our students.”

Mr Adams said the students, who are not following the traditional education pathway of VCE love going out to Basils each Thursday and completing a day’s work.

A current year 10 student said, “I hated school in year 9, I hated the classroom and didn’t want to come. This year is completely different, I love school and love this program.”

One parent said, “My son is a completely different person, more mature, more grown up, this year he loves attending school, last year was a battle to get him up every day”.

Mr Adams said Basils Farm situated on the Bellarine, was chosen because its commitment to sustainable farming practices and willingness to educate the boys in these ways.