Aquaponics in Education

In 2023/24 Repton Public School received a grant of $3,300 from Bellingen Shire Council’s Environment Levy Community Fund to establish an aquaponics garden at the school.

Aquaponics is a method of growing food that combines aquaculture (the practice of raising fish) and hydroponics (a soilless way of growing plants). It is a closed loop system whereby the nutrient-rich aquaculture water is used to produce vegetables and herbs.

The system installed at Repton Public School is attached to a rainwater tank and uses 90 percent less water than a traditional agricultural system.

It has enabled a range of produce to be grown including beans, tomatoes, lettuce and herbs. The produce from the garden is used in the school’s cooking program and in the school canteen.

The aquaponics garden has been a great learning opportunity for students, enabling them to learn about:

• where food comes from
• how to produce food in a resource-efficient and sustainable manner
• the principles behind a closed loop system
• waste minimisation
• water conservation
• how to use fresh grown produce, and
• healthy eating.

The aquaponics garden has been a great addition to the school which also has its own chicken coop and layer hens. This is a great example of sustainable food production in action.