Arabic version: الصوبات الزراعية المدرسية تربط زراعة الغذاء بالتعلم

According to ABC News, high-tech greenhouses are giving students at Pacific Pines State High School on the Gold Coast hands-on lessons in food production while supporting Food Ladder’s efforts to address food insecurity. The school is one of nine in south-east Queensland benefiting from the not-for-profit’s greenhouse program, which has 68 school greenhouses operating across Australia.

Inside the greenhouse, students care for lettuce, herbs and vegetables, planting seeds, monitoring conditions and harvesting produce. Food Ladder chief executive Kelly McJannett said the food could be taken home or used in cooking classes. Year 8 student Lilly Anne Robins said growing produce had changed her view of its value, particularly for families able to cultivate vegetables and fruit themselves.

The greenhouse is also being used to bring science, technology, engineering and maths into practical lessons. Students learn about water temperature, growing conditions and the technology that maintains the environment. Student Ahmed Maryol said the work involved more than cooking, pointing to science, AI, water systems and fans. Teacher Bridget Gutteridge said geography and business classes had also shown interest, including in growing and selling produce.

Professor Donna Pendergast of the Griffith Institute for Educational Research said hands-on food programs could help students apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems, work collaboratively and see connections between school and everyday life. She said the programs can build purpose, responsibility and belonging, with students reluctant to miss greenhouse activities. Food Ladder said attendance at one school rose from 30 per cent to 90 per cent.

Food Ladder hopes students will retain food-growing skills beyond school. Applications are open for another five south-east Queensland schools to join the program.