Year 12 Geography – Exploring Climate Change in WA’s Wheatbelt

March 26, 2025

Our Year 12 Geography students recently hit the road for a fieldwork camp in the Wheatbelt, where they explored how climate change and changes in land use are impacting the region. The camp was a key part of their course and helped bring their classroom learning to life.

Over two busy days, students visited working farms, met with local farmers and saw first-hand the challenges facing the agricultural industry and learnt about the way local farmers are adapting.

Learning from the Land

One of the camp’s main focuses was understanding how farmers are adapting to changing environmental conditions. Students explored the benefits of minimum tillage, a practice that helps retain water, improve soil quality and reduce carbon emissions.

They also learned about new technologies being used to prevent soil erosion and support the regrowth of native vegetation, which are important strategies for managing the effects of climate change.

Students also observed how farmers are addressing salinity in areas where native woodland has been cleared. Students were introduced to Anameka saltbush, a hardy native plant that is being used to rehabilitate salty soils. The plant was developed with the CSIRO and named after Anameka Farms, near Tammin.

Real Stories from Real People

A big highlight of the trip was visiting the farms of David and Jo Fullwood and Tony York. These farmers once again welcomed our students and shared their deep knowledge of farming practices and the Wheatbelt region.

Students also visited Chatfields Tree Nursery, where manager Steele Anderson outlined the process of propagation of Anameka saltbush.

What Our Students Said

“I really enjoyed geography camp. It brought a whole new level to my understanding as we went to the different farms and heard first-hand experiences from the owners” Eva

“I really enjoyed visiting the farms and learning about what the farmers do to mitigate impacts of climate change. I also liked visiting the museum in Cunderdin, it was interesting to see how the town has changed over time.” Sarah

“At Chatfields Nursery we were able to directly see the production of Anameka saltbush, a plant that is essential to overcome the impacts of climate change through the process of saltbush reforging.” Harriet

“I genuinely learnt a lot about not just our syllabus but farming practices in general which I think will be beneficial in the future if I ever decide to go down an agricultural path as well as agriculture being very prominent in our lives.” Claudia

Real-World Learning in Action

The geography camp helps students apply key course content and develop practical fieldwork skills. It also gives them a deeper understanding of how climate issues affect regional communities, and how these communities are responding.

This experience highlights so many of the skills we value at Santa Maria. It’s also a great reminder of how learning outside the classroom can be just as powerful as learning within it.

ClimateChange, EnvironmentalEducation, Featured, FieldworkLearning, GeographyCamp, Salinity, SantaMariaCollege, StudentExperience, SustainableFarming, WheatbeltWA, Year12

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.