School Programs

The support and involvement of communities in the preservation of threatened species is extremely important. We have a long history of visiting schools and providing local biodiversity conservation initiatives. The more people we can educate, the greater the difference we can make.

Biodiversity conservation

Conservation of many threatened species, including the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, is dependent on community support and involvement.

When people understand the value of biodiversity and the reasons why biodiversity is being lost at unprecedented rates, they tend to change their attitude and behaviour, and become actively engaged in biodiversity conservation.

We all know that shaping a sustainable future starts now, and is the responsibility of everyone. Thankfully, sustainability is now a significant cross-curriculum objective of the National Syllabus.

Education

The Friends value the importance of educating the upcoming generations about the importance of, and threats to, Australia’s unique biodiversity. It is upon their shoulders that the social problems arising from the current biodiversity crisis will fall. Children are naturally protective of the other life forms we share our planet with.

The Friends of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby have won multiple awards and grants for community education and delivered engaging school programs to thousands of students over 20 years. The individually tailored programs are designed to be fun and interactive for the students and to assist teachers by meeting curriculum outcomes. The fully subsidised enrichment program will be presented by a passionate member with Working with Children Checks and first-hand experience on the local Rock-wallaby Recovery Program.

Our aims

The aim of this education program is to develop students’ respect for biodiversity and appreciation of the role of science, monitoring and technology in continually building our understanding of the complex world we live in. Scientific research can be difficult to communicate, yet it is crucial that students are able to make meaningful links between everyday life and the application of scientific expertise.

Balancing our needs and wants of today, with our needs and wants of tomorrow, is the big dilemma that humans face. The study of science encourages students to use evidence and reason to become informed, reflective citizens.

Desired outcomes

The desired outcome is to inspire students to actively participate in local biodiversity conservation initiatives, to continually expand and communicate their knowledge, and to engage in ethical decision-making and consumption.

The Friends’ Primary and Secondary School Education Programs are developed and implemented by National Parks and Wildlife Service staff with over 10 years experience in environmental education and threatened species management. The Stage 3 Program Outline and Stage 4-6 Program Outline detail the specific creative activities and curriculum outcomes.