Serena Kirby, Denmark Bulletin
The WA College of Agriculture Denmark showcased a wide range of activities this month at its annual open day.
While visitor numbers were reduced this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event was still attended by more than 800 people.
Families, prospective students and members of the public met staff, viewed student work and learned about the education opportunities the college has to offer.
From machinery maintenance and aquaculture to forestry and calf rearing, students and staff demonstrated the farm-based programs run by the school.
Additional displays were held inside classrooms for the more traditional high school subjects such as biology, English and maths.
Children enjoy the chance to pat the horses. 
Ella Cameron, Willow Donahoe and Rosie McConigley. 
Year 11 student Zoe Skinner gives one of the bulls a brush down in the school’s cattle yard. 
Joanna Griffith with son Harry at the petting pens. 
Graham Paget, from the Denmark Forging Group, shows the skills he teaches students. 
Year 10 student Tali Plunket talks about the forestry program. 
Bernie Wong and Keir Mulder busy at the sausage sizzle station. 
Acting principal Steve Swallow, centre, caught up with past student Deahna Keam and her mother and school board member, Josie Keam, and WA Director of Agriculture Education, Sally Panizza. 
Year 10 student, Ella Cameron, gives Hustler a quick wash-down. 
Machinery maintenance students Shamus Buttel and Quinn Shanhun.
Photos: Serena Kirby.
With various produce tastings, sale of wines produced by the viticulture students, and barista coffee made by the hospitality students, visitors were kept busy and well fed throughout the day.
Student numbers have grown steadily at the college since it began in 1942.
With 135 students, and more females enrolling in the past five years, there is now an equal split of girls and boys.
Acting principal Steve Swallow said the open day was a great opportunity for the general public to see the school’s operations.
“We are quite a lot different than other high schools and visitors are always surprised by the range of things we do and the extensive amount of farm equipment we have,” he said.
“We also love that our students’ family members can come and see first hand what they’re learning and what skills they’re obtaining.”
Photo: Serena Kirby.
There are five agricultural colleges in WA.
The majority of students come from the Great Southern, but many come from elsewhere in the State, from as far away as Tom Price.
This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 16 September 2021.
