The Abbotsleigh Centre for Environmental Education (ACEE) precinct consists of more than half a hectare of land that has been designated as an ‘outdoor learning space’. The establishment of the area began in 2011 and the proposed opportunities for immersion and experiential learning include:
An agricultural plot for Science and Environmental Science trials and experiments and a school vegetable garden
A remnant Sydney Blue Gum High Forest section that is being regenerated with indigenous species
An animal area for the Ag Club’s steers and chickens
A food forest
A wetland area
A weather station
A moist forest gully for botany and biology studies
A kitchen garden and social gathering area
An enclosed sensory garden that is the spiritual heart of the area
The Blue Gum Cottage education centre, staffed by a full time teacher
The area is used by teachers from all departments and students from Transition to Year 12 as an outdoor learning space to:
Explore, observe and study different environments
Allow hands on experience in growing plants, looking after living things and developing practical living skills
Promote sustainable lifestyle principles and environmental stewardship within the school community
Set up research projects in Science, Geography and Design and Technology
Be a source of encouragement and focus for environmental student groups within the School.
ACEE
Mrs Helen Watkins, Head of Environmental Education