Our Year 12 Geography students and ASDAN learners delved into the real-world impacts of land cover change and explored key management strategies to restore fragile ecosystems.
Our Year 12 ATAR Geography students and select ASDAN learners participated in a meaningful field excursion to the Swan-Canning River catchment. Guided by their growing understanding of environmental systems, students explored the real-world impacts of land cover change and investigated two key management strategies designed to restore and sustain fragile ecosystems.
The day began at the Andrew Thompson Conservation Reserve, where students engaged in site analysis activities and explored the historical transformation of Perth’s riverine landscapes. At Bodkin Park, they examined the urban drainage system and conducted water sampling at a restored living stream site, gaining firsthand insight into how rehabilitation strategies can improve ecological health. Students then travelled to the Canning River Eco Education Centre (CREEC) to investigate the role of oxygenation plants in maintaining water quality, followed by a comparative evaluation task synthesising the day’s findings.
Through this hands-on learning experience, students were reminded of our responsibility as stewards of creation (Genesis 2:15), seeing both the beauty and vulnerability of our local environment. The excursion reinforced the need for wise, sustainable land management, echoing the Biblical call to seek understanding and act with discernment (Proverbs 2:6).
Our Year 12s showed outstanding engagement, critical thinking, and maturity throughout the day, with the ASDAN students also contributing valuable perspectives and curiosity. Accompanying the students were Mr Carter and Mrs de Bruyn, who guided field activities and supported learning. The Year 12s also demonstrated commendable hospitality in welcoming and supporting two distance education students from the Australian Christian College who joined us for the excursion. The sunny and breezy autumn weather made for perfect conditions as students explored, questioned, and evaluated complex environmental issues.
More than just an academic field trip, this excursion was a timely reminder of the intricate design of God’s creation and the important role we each play in caring for it. Thank you to everyone who made this excursion a success!
