Green industries pupils benefit from hands-on learning

Many Ontario high schools offer some form of green industries programming, but Stayner Collegiate Institute (SCI) is one of only two schools with a fully functional greenhouse classroom.

SCI Green Industries teacher Alyssa Carruthers says the programs include 10 categories under the tech umbrella, and specific local programming is dependent on the qualifications of the staff.

“I studied landscape architecture at University of Guelph and worked in the industry for a couple of years before deciding that I wanted to do something that involved more interaction with people,” said Carruthers. “I did a brief stint at Barrie North Collegiate, and then came to SCI four years ago.”

A green industries course provides students with knowledge and practical skills, and aims to equip them for various green industry roles. The curriculum includes safe working practices, environmental and social issues, and career pathways. In addition to the garden program, SCI offers classes in wood shop and tech design under the green industries umbrella.

The Stayner program was started about 10 years ago under the guidance of tech teacher Mike Wheatcroft, who also had a background in landscape architecture. The goal was to teach students about growing healthy food, and provide a stepping stone to careers in green industries.

Carruthers says she enjoys seeing students outside of a regular classroom setting for hands-on experience- based learning. She says some of the students arrive already interested in the subject matter; others are more curious and like the idea of one period per day which doesn’t involve sitting at a desk.

Last weekend, SCI threw open the doors of the greenhouse and invited the public to their annual plant sale, featuring about 1,000 plants.

“They are all student-grown. They started the plants at the beginning of the semester and they get very invested. Now, they get to see the results of their labours,” said Carruthers.

Proceeds of the plant sale help to fund the purchase of supplies, such as soil and seeds, for next year’s program. In addition to a selection of vegetables, herbs, annuals and house plants, the sale featured planter boxes, cutting boards and charcuterie boards created by the wood shop program.

A total of about 60 students in Grades 10-12 are enrolled in the garden program at SCI. Currently the course offers a general overview of agriculture, horticulture, forestry, landscaping and floristry. Carruthers says that in the future, the program could grow to include full courses in specific areas.