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Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program

Student Wellbeing

Our Story

Alawa Farm was established in 2004 and quickly became a hands-on learning space at the heart of our school. With the support of dedicated staff, families and volunteers, the farm grew from simple garden beds and a few animals into a vibrant learning hub.



In 2008, Alawa was chosen as the NT demonstration school for the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program. This allowed us to build a teaching kitchen and herb garden, officially launching Kitchen and Garden lessons in 2009. Since then, the program has flourished with the addition of an orchard, aquaponics, bush tucker and Zen gardens and stronger links to Science, Indonesian and Inquiry learning.


Today, Alawa Farm and Kitchen Garden continue to thrive thanks to partnerships with families, community organisations and local businesses.

Our Philosophy

The program is built on the idea of pleasurable food education. Students learn by doing — growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing fresh produce.


Through this approach, children develop:

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An understanding of where food comes from

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Skills to care for plants and animals

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Joy in preparing healthy, seasonal meals

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Responsibility, teamwork and problem-solving skills

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Positive food habits and a love for lifelong learning

Learning in Action

Boy in hat tending to a plant in a garden, near a green tub.

In the Garden

  • Weekly lessons for all classes

  • Small-group learning in planting, composting, harvesting and sustainability

  • Opportunities to sample produce as they work

  • Activities that connect directly with Science, Inquiry and the Arts
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With the Animals

Over the years, students have cared for chickens, ducks, quails, rabbits, goats, guinea pigs, lizards, turtles, calves, and more. Animal care helps children learn empathy, cooperation and respect for living things.

Four children in aprons and head coverings, chopping vegetables in a kitchen.

In the Kitchen

  • Years 3–6 attend a two-hour kitchen class each week for one semester

  • Students rotate through roles such as chef, cutter, cook and cleaner

  • Lessons may follow recipes, allow student choice, or involve “freestyle” cooking with mystery ingredients

  • Meals are shared, reviewed and celebrated — building teamwork, creativity and confidence


Menus and recipes are based on seasonal produce grown on the farm, encouraging sustainable choices and cooking skills students can take home.


The program is also supported by local organisations including Nemarluk School, the US Marines, SEDA students, Bunnings and many generous school families.

Achievements

Alawa’s Farm and Kitchen Garden Program has been widely recognised:

  • Multiple awards at the Royal Darwin Show for produce, eggs, and livestock (2015–2025)

  • NT Junior Natural Resource Management Award & People’s Choice Award (08) 8997 7666
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Learn more about the Kitchen Garden Foundation

View our Digital Cookbook: Food Tour of the World Recipe Collection