Partners: With Warrnambool College, Fletcher Jones Family Foundation, FSR Equip, Warrnambool City Council, Warrnambool Hydraulics, Portland Laser Cutting, Traditional Owners and student Artists,

Educator, Anthea Rafferty has long been a fan of embracing applied learning pedagogies – particularly those that reflect real work conditions. “I’m an advocate for project-based curriculum which fosters creative, critical, and solution-based thinking,” says the Year 10 architecture teacher.

Co-designed the first Living Classroom prototype integrating Indigenous culture and climate knowledge and art into the school landscape.

Students and staff reported a stronger connection to culture and Country through the project, including the incorporation of Peek Whurrong language.

The project provided a practical platform for teachers to embed learning across the STEAM framework: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, with connections to Humanities and cross curricular learning.

“The garden provided students with an opportunity to thrive in an environment which included physical work, student voice and collaborative learning. In addition, the garden and artwork depicting the ‘Six Indigenous Seasons’ has provided an opportunity for Indigenous students to see their culture, their storylines and their people in the heart of our school.”

Anthea Rafferty