"Our students have access to programs in Agricultural Science with specialist teachers. The Centre services the whole district, showcasing best practice in hands-on teaching and learning." Chris Zilm Principal

Wilsonton Agricultural Field Study Centre

Programs Facilities Contact

Centre Profile & Staffing
The Wilsonton Agricultural Field Study Centre was established in 1986 on 5 hectares of land adjacent to the site of the now newly established Toowoomba State High School -Wilsonton Campus. The Centre was created in response to widely held views that schools in the Toowoomba district with its economy strongly linked to a diverse range of agricultural enterprises, should be offering programs to students that reflect the value of the contribution to be made by agricultural education.

The primary aim of the Centre is to provide practical resources and facilities to support the teaching of the Agricultural curriculum in State High Schools on the Darling Downs. This involves the delivery of subjects such as Agricultural Science and Agricultural Mechanics in the Junior School, the BSSSS subject Agricultural Science and vocational education subjects as Agricultural and Horticultural Practices.

Programs
Students from the three feeder high schools in the Toowoomba district, namely Toowoomba SHS, Harristown SHS, and Centenary Heights SHS are transferred to and from the Centre with the Centre's bus, where they complete their weekly agricultural practical activities. These activities are linked to the theoretical work performed back at their base school. 

To meet the needs of the students using the facility a wide range of resources have been developed. These include:

The Centre also develops resources for other schools eg Primary school visits and various community groups eg:- Landcare, Greening Australia. School groups from outside the Toowoomba district are also encouraged to use the Centre's facilities either as part of an excursion or as a block program over several days. Community groups, other government bodies and local industry are encouraged to use the facilities whenever possible. The centre also works in cooperation with local industry groups in conducting field trails, demonstrations and excursions to meet the curriculum needs of the various schools.

Primary/Pre schools and special education groups are encouraged to use the Centre to either assist with their curriculum delivery or use it just as an awareness type of activity for the students. Programs could be theme based or address specific issues eg. recognition of agricultural plants and animals, food chains, collection and propagation of native seeds/plants, measurement in agriculture, collection and discussing data using agricultural examples etc. Awareness based programs might involve a workshop activity (mechanics) or just looking at and handling a range of animals to discussing products, breeds and points of these animals.

Programs could be on a weekly basis ie. 1 hour per week over a...set time period eg. 6 weeks or could occur on a half or full day basis, depending on staff availability. The Centre bus can also be used for picking up groups if it is available at the time.

The Centre is managed by a Head of Department, Agriculture and is staffed by two other Agricultural teachers, an Agriculture Assistant, a Bus Driver, Administrative Assistant and a Cleaner. The Head of Department for administrative purposes reports to the Principal of Toowoomba SHS.

Facilities

The Centre has a large shed type facility that is excellent for a range of workshop activities such as welding and fabrication. It is extremely spacious and allows student considerable room to complete jobs or tasks set. I have included a list of the major resources in this facility

This facility presently is used for various programs e.g. Agricultural Mechanics, Vocational Education type subjects as well as use by other institutions e.g. TAFE. However, it could be utilized a lot more. It is a very useful facility that could only enhance school programs if they can access this facility.

Schools would need to check on time availability and the Centre also has a bus that could be used by schools provided it did not clash with permanent time tabled Centre classes. Times could range from a couple of school periods to a day per week on a regular basis.

Schools would have access to the range of equipment at the Centre but would be encouraged to supply their own consumable materials e.g. welding rods, steel etc. There would be a small hire fee for particularly consumables as gas, electricity. There costs would be negotiated.

A Centre staff member could also be available to help with classes provided it did not clash with other permanent Centre arrangements. If your school or curriculum area/s are interested in seeking further information on this facility or you wish to make a booking for 2001 please contact the centre.

Some of the Equipment Available

Welding / Cutting:-

Demonstration Engines:- 

Various old motors:-

Contact Details

Enquires on programs and the use of the Centre can be made through the Head of Department:

John (Charlie) Martin
275 North St,
Toowoomba Qld 4350

Phone (07) 4634 4972

Fax (07) 4633 3730

E-MAIL THE CENTRE DIRECT principa@wilsontoeec.gld.edu.au

Yr 12 Agriculture in Action, 2004