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Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program

Teaching and Learning

Our Story

Since its beginnings in 2004, Alawa Farm has grown from a few garden beds and friendly animals into a vibrant, hands-on learning hub at the heart of our school. What started as a simple idea has blossomed into a place where students connect with nature, nurture responsibility, and learn through doing. 


With the support of our dedicated staff, families, and volunteers, the Farm became a living classroom — where curiosity grows alongside the plants! 


In 2008, Alawa was proudly selected as the Northern Territory demonstration school for the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program. This milestone saw the creation of our teaching amazing kitchen and garden, and by 2009, Kitchen and Garden lessons were officially part of school life. 


Over the years, we’ve expanded to include an orchard, aquaponics system, bush tucker and native gardens, weaving strong connections to Science, Design, and Inquiry Learning. 



Today, the Alawa Farm and Kitchen Garden continue to flourish — powered by the passion of our students and the partnerships we share with families, community groups, and local businesses. Together, we’re growing something truly special.

Alawa Kitchen Garden Program Mission

To sustain a practical engaging learning program for our school community which is hands-on and sparks pride through achieving success.


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


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

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Caring for 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.

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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, collector, 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.

Achievements

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


  • Royal Darwin Show Society Best Community Garden winner for multiple years in a row. With our garden home to multi award-winning produce, celebrated for its quality, diversity, and care.


  • Woolworths Landcare Grant recipients, acknowledged for our work in caring for soil health and biodiversity. Students lead the way with award-winning recycling and composting initiatives, demonstrating how small actions can make a big difference to our environment.



  • NT Junior Natural Resource Management Award & People’s Choice Award.


From seed to plate — and everything in between — our Kitchen, Garden and Farm are a true celebration of community, creativity, and care for our planet.

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