Year 8 students learn about Bush Tucker

Year 8 Food & Society students' excursion to the Cranbourne Botanical Gardens was an absolutely wonderful and enriching experience for the students. Throughout the day, students were immersed in learning about First Peoples' culture, with a particular focus on the deep connection that the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung People have to Country.

We were fortunate to be guided by Beck, an experienced bush tucker chef of nearly 30 years, who provided an engaging and hands-on experience. Students had the unique opportunity to see, touch, and taste native Australian plants, bringing their classroom learning to life in a meaningful and memorable way.

During the program, students learned about First Peoples' tools and Indigenous plants. We explored how plants are used for fibre, medicine, tools, and food. We enjoyed a tasting of native bushfood tea, seeds, and plants.

It was fantastic to see students so actively engaged, asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine curiosity and respect for the knowledge being shared. Experiences like this deepen students’ understanding of culture, sustainability, and the important relationship between people and the environment. We are incredibly proud of how the students represented the school and embraced this opportunity to learn beyond the classroom.

Keren Gengut Mushinski, Food and Society Teacher