Thanks to Thomas Foods International’s sponsorship, the centre is equipped with a range of features designed to provide hands-on learning. Students will have access to high-tech classrooms, outdoor spaces, produce processing areas, a community farm shop, and shearing facilities. There are also wet-labs for exploring science in agriculture.
The centre allows students to experience the full production chain, from growing crops and raising animals to learning about food processing. Westminster’s Agriculture program already covers a variety of topics, including cereal crops, grapes, herbs, and various types of produce.
With the new facility, students will gain even more practical experience and insights into the agricultural industry.
Andrew Malcolm, Head of Agriculture, is enthusiastic about the centre’s potential. “The integration of so many agriculture components into one learning facility gives our students an incredible opportunity to understand the entire production chain and the subsequent connecting fields of science, technology and commercial operations in sustainable agriculture, allowing the school to build knowledge, practical experience and capabilities into student learning,” he says.
“These capabilities will allow our experienced Ag team to educate our students not only on agriculture within a farm setting, but also how agriculture exists in the world more widely outside of farming, including the growth of future urban-based jobs within the industry,” Andrew says.
The centre also offers opportunities for students to learn from industry experts, including local farms and university research programs. This hands-on experience is designed to prepare students for future careers in agriculture and related fields. The partnership with Thomas Foods International will also include cadetships and work experience, further enriching the students’ educational experience.
For more details on the new centre and its programs: