Students swap classroom for environment

Burra Community School student Micheala Ross, and Tayla Kelly from Clare High School, visited conservation parks and local schools as well as undertaking work in the Natural Resources Centre during their week placement.

Natural Resources Northern and Yorke (NRNY) Lower and Mid North Community Team Leader Bonnie Maynard, who put the program together, said that the students had worked with ecologists, fire managers, pest animal controllers, environmental educators, and administration officers.

“The students got an excellent overview of the business of natural resource management, with Tayla even having an opportunity to be involved in a wildlife rescue,” Ms Maynard said.

The students visited Mokota and Caroona Creek Conservation Parks, attended a Pygmy Blue-tongue Conservation Association meeting, and helped run activities at Spalding, Blyth and Georgetown Primary Schools. Tayla also assisted in the rescue of an echidna stranded in a vehicle inspection pit on a property near Leighton.

“Working with Natural Resources Northern and Yorke has been such a great experience for me,” Tayla said.

Ms Maynard said the students now understand how diverse the business of natural resource management is.

“I know a lot more about pest plant and animal control, management of endangered species, work, health and safety procedures, fire management, and the important work that volunteers do,” Micheala said.

Work experience is offered through the compulsory subject Personal Learning Plan (PLP), which gives students the opportunity to experience workplace learning that helps them plan for their future beyond school.

“Working alongside positive role models can have a real impact on young people and can help to promote career pathways with opportunities for local employment,” Ms Maynard said.

NRNY will offer work experience opportunities again in early October.

For further information call the Natural Resources Centre Clare on 8841 3444.