Hands-on lessons at school’s farm

Old MacDonald had a farm — and so does Waitaki Boys’ High School.

The school’s Fraser Farm gives students the opportunity to get hands-on experience with farm work.

Crutching and shearing sheep, rearing calves and even fence repairs are all on the agenda.

Teacher in charge of agriculture Alan Grant loved being able to offer the students something a bit different from their usual class work.

"It’s definitely an asset.

"You can see the practical applications of what you’re learning in class."

It is one of the few schools with a "model working farm", especially in the lower South Island, he said.

"Some schools do have some property where by they may graze some sheep or they may have space to do garden plots.

"I don’t think there’s too many schools, especially south of here, that have something at the Fraser Farm level."

The farm helps the students with their learning in the classroom as they can "see the reason why".

"If they can see the relevance and can see it put into practice, it sticks."

Farm manager Murray Isbister handles a lot of the physical work on the farm, which funds itself, for the most part, as the animals are sold at auction once they are ready.

That money goes directly back into the school.

Mr Grant said the farm also received plenty of donations from the farming community.

"The community is very supportive.

"If it’s not donated, then it’s at cost or minimum [price]."

Waitaki farmers also host the agriculture classes on field trips which Mr Grant was very appreciative of.

"There is a lot of good will from the local community, which is good.

"They want the young people to do well and progress and put back in to the community that’s been good to them."