Westminster School’s new state-of-the-art working farm opens later in 2024
Westminster’s onsite working farm, Sturt Grove, was established in 1972 under the direction of Westminster’s legendary Head of Agriculture Ian Young.
Today, nationally recognised educator and practitioner, Andrew Malcolm is the School’s Head of Agriculture.
A Westminster Old Scholar, Andy has been entrusted to lead a highly experienced working team to ensure Sturt Grove Farm continues to meet evolving industry and community needs.
“With our focus on partnering with industry and building knowledge and capabilities into the curriculum, our new farm facilities will give us amazing support in teaching the importance of efficient, sustainable agriculture,” Andy said.
“It will drive a deeper, real-world understanding of how technology, design and science impact on this industry.”
Westminster School and Thomas Foods International have announced a partnership that will see the development of the Thomas Foods Centre for Agriculture within the Sturt Grove Farm, a world class agricultural facility for students from Early Learning to Year 12.
Under construction by Partek, the Thomas Foods Centre for Agriculture will include new multidisciplinary classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, produce processing and food tech areas, well equipped wet-labs, shearing facilities and a wash-down zone.
It will also feature a new community Farm Shop to sell farm-grown produce and product supplied by the school’s extensive community, including Thomas Foods products.
Westminster School’s Principal Simon Shepherd welcomes the benefits a state-of-the art facility of this nature will provide to Westminster students.
“The investment being made in the Thomas Foods Centre for Agriculture and Sturt Grove Farm at Westminster will provide exceptional opportunities and industry connections for students and staff when it opens in August 2024,” he said.
“Our entire Ag team is excited for the new facility to further build on the strengths of our Agriculture program.
“Our students will not only be learning from some of the best agricultural practitioners and experts in Australia, but will be doing so with access to one of the best school facilities of this type in the country.”
TFI General Manager Tom Davies has endorsed the partnership that extends TFI’s existing involvement in the Westminster School’s rural pathways program.
“Australia’s food industry is growing on the global stage and the next generation is coming in at a very exciting time,” he said.
“Our industry is going to need people with a variety of skills and an eye for innovation to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
“We look forward to helping prepare students for their lives beyond school and showcasing the range of career opportunities – from livestock handling to sales and marketing as well as high-tech roles working with the latest automation and robotics.”
Adjacent to the Boarding Precinct, the Sturt Grove Farm’s redevelopment is generating unprecedented levels of interest from rural families.
Having Thomas Foods International and other leading supporters on board, the Sturt Grove Farm’s future is assured as an educational site to provide students with learning and vital connections relevant to the real world.
