Students on field day adventure

Sitting in a classroom listening to the sounds of Dowerin's most important event being carried out next door must be distracting for many of the town's youngest members, so it is lucky that students from Dowerin District High School will be at the Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days this year.

As in previous years, DDHS students receive a tremendous education at the field days by participating in an Activity Trail.

Official program and field day guide in the COUNTRYMAN newspaper, August 22, 2013

The trail directs students among exhibitors and ensures they take in information from different sites. A different booklet has been designed for younger and older grades.

Year Five student Dylan Metcalf, 10, said in previous years he had most enjoyed looking at the Ram Shed.

"I like that they teach you about the future of farming and things such as how to spread wool, " he said.

Dylan said because his family owned a farm, he was interested in both the livestock and machinery displays at the event.

"You learn a lot about agriculture and it gets you out of the classroom, " he said.

Year Four student Charlotte Waugh, 9, said her favourite exhibitor last year was Beez Neez.

"I like to try all the different types of honey, they are all really yummy, " she said.

Charlotte said she was hoping Lifestyle Pavilion exhibitor Australian Girl would be a part of the Activity Trial this year, because she really liked their dolls.

Year Seven student Chloe Pickering, 12, said the Activity Trail provided students with knowledge on the different aspects of agriculture.

"This includes perspectives of WA's agricultural industry from Margaret River right up to the Kimberley, " she said.

Chloe said she also enjoyed looking through Solar Fruits' exhibit last year, because they produced snacks that were delicious and healthy.

"It shows you don't need to eat junk food for it to be enjoyable, " she said.

Year Five/Six teacher Emily Talbot, who hails from Perth, said she loved taking her students on the trail, because it gave her a taste of farming through the context of her students.

"It is a great initiative and gives the children an opportunity to be a part of the field days, " Miss Talbot said.

"This year for the first time Kapinara Primary School from City Beach will also be participating in the Activity Trail."

In addition to the education DDHS students receive from participating in the trail, high school students undertake work experience during the field days.

High school students fundraise for their school camp through running one of the field days' parking areas.

Year 10 student Locky Whiltshire, 15, said participating in work experience and being able to fundraise was a great opportunity for the students. He said the field days were important for the Dowerin community and brought a lot of income into the town.

DDHS vice-principal Kylie Fowler said the Activity Trail started in 2009 and each year more and more exhibitors wanted to become a part of it, which was inspiring.

"Everyone at the school participates. It's a great experience for both our junior and upper primary school students, " Ms Fowler said.