Galston, Glenorie and Hills Rural News
Something Fishy at Northholm
Building on a successful Agricultural program, students and teachers at Northholm Grammar School are looking forward to establishing a commercial scale Aquaponics facility at the school.
Year Nine student Mathew Edwards explained "Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture - or fish farming with hydroponics - growing leafy vegetables without soil.” Classmate Annalise Snow said “It’s completely organic because the fish produce natural fertilizer which is then used by the plants so no man-made chemicals are used”.
Northholm Agricultural Technology teacher Melissa Duff said the program called Aquaponics in Action will encourage students to study STEM subjects as a taster for some of the great careers they can pursue from their studies of science, technology, engineering and maths.
“Students aren’t just reading, writing and discussing their subject’ she said, “with Aquaponics in Action they will be experiencing their subjects, which is a far better way to solidify their learning”.
Design and Technology teacher Andrew McMillan said “it really covers a lot of subjects and will include students from both the junior and senior schools. Specific areas of focus for the program include sustainability, agriculture, the food system, financial literacy, economics, marketing and leadership”.
Students will be sharing their knowledge of aquaponics at their demonstration stand at the Castle Hill Show on the 4, 5 and 6 March and encourage other schools and the public to get to know a bit more about this healthy, sustainable and fascinating method of food production.
Principal Lynne Guthridge said it is an exciting development at the school, with funding approved by the school council earlier this year. “As well as offering another way of teaching and engaging our students in the important STEM subjects, it will also be a showcase and teaching resource for other schools and another agricultural training facility on our school grounds.
Visit www.northholm.nsw.edu.au for more information or to book a school tour.