St James Primary School Kotara students gathered today to mark the completion of their new mural which was designed and executed by the students themselves.

The project has been a long time in the making, initially starting as a “Ecopath Biodiversity Project” in which parents of students analysed the flora and fauna around the school to create a snapshot of the unique environment that St James is built upon.

Kim Carty is the creator of the Ecopath Biodiversity Project as well as a parent of a student attending St James’ Primary school Kotara South. She said the purpose of this project was to bring biodiversity awareness to schools, while encouraging students to get into the playground and green spaces and interact, learn and experience the amazing plants, animals and ecosystems that live in their school.

“We believe that it is so important and beneficial for students to have a positive connection with nature, especially within the environments that we live and learn in every day,” said Mrs Carty.

St James Primary School Assistant Principal, Debra Petersen, said, “the Ecopath Biodiversity Project has given students the opportunity to learn about and within our unique environment. Students have become curious and protective about the creatures, plants and trees that surround them and are proud of their school.”

From these findings, students were tasked with creating concepts for a mural design, with the Catholic Diocese’s Design Director of ASPIRE, Lara Crockett, using these preliminary ideas to refine a final artwork.

The mural, delivered over the duration of the term, is made up of plants and animals which are native to the school grounds and environment.

Year 5 student, Noah Konik, said the project gave the students the opportunity to learn about animals and plants that they didn’t even know lived in the school.

“I have really enjoyed the project because we have been learning about the animals and different trees that are special to our school. It was so fun too because we could walk around our school and understand our environment more. The mural was heaps of fun, working with Lara was great and she helped us to create something beautiful,” said Noah.

The project has been a great example of enhancing student learning through incorporating parents into the learning environment as well as incorporating arts and technology. 

If you have any questions or are interested in having a Biodiversity Project for your school, please email - kim@thecreativepath.com.au

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