Barham High School Pollack Trip 2025
Capacity building - LEP_23-023_LLC014
The issue
Barham High School year 11 Biology students conducted an in-depth study of local RAMSAR listed wetland, Pollack Swamp by utilising information from a variety of sources, including Forestry Corporation NSW, WMLIG, online sources and journal articles. Due to unfavourable weather conditions, students were unable to attend a tour of the site to see for themselves the area they were researching prior to submitting their studies.
This left an applied knowledge gap that Western Murray Land Improvement Group, Barham High School, and Forestry Corporation NSW wished to fill. The students have also learned the theory of environmental data collection and survey techniques, and we wished to provide an opportunity for the class to practice what they have learned in-situ.
The solution
Barham High School students had the opportunity to strengthen their classroom learnings and expand their skillset by participating in a trip to Pollack Swamp to practice their environmental surveying and data collection techniques, facilitated by Forestry Corporation NSW The Living Murray Project ecologist Fiona, and Western Murray Land Improvement Groups Local Landcare Coordinator Tahlia.
The class were also joined by WMLIG university placement student, Mason, who is a former Barham High student and is now studying Environmental Science at Deakin University in Melbourne. This provided the students the opportunity to hear from someone they know about the opportunities after school to pursue a career in environmental science.
The impact
The class spent time with Tahlia, Fiona and Mason to conduct transect and quadrat surveys, soil type assessments, and diameter at breast height measurements at a site in Pollack Swamp Flora Reserve. Students also worked on their plant identification and data recording skills under supervision from biology teacher Raelene.
Barham High School year 11 Biology students now have a stronger understanding of the incredible natural assets in their backyard, their ecological and cultural significance, and survey techniques used by local professionals to collect data and monitor these sites.
Key facts
- 11 students
- 1 RAMSAR Listed Wetland
- 5 New Environmental survey techniques taught
- 3 Partner organisations collaborating