Beyond the Plate project set to create new opportunities

A new chapter is underway at Bayview Secondary College following a Tasmanian Community Fund grant that will help create practical learning opportunities and stronger pathways into employment for students across Southern Tasmania.

Students, staff and community members recently came together to celebrate the funding at a garden party organised by the students.

The Beyond the Plate project will transform existing spaces at Bayview Secondary College into an integrated Environmental Education Centre, commercial kitchen and indoor and outdoor dining areas, creating new opportunities for students to develop practical skills and explore pathways into employment.

The initiative has been designed to increase student engagement and attendance while providing hands-on learning experiences in hospitality, horticulture, environmental stewardship and enterprise.

Students will have the opportunity to grow and harvest produce, prepare meals in a commercial kitchen, develop hospitality skills and gain industry-relevant vocational education and training (VET) qualifications.

Partnerships with organisations including Landcare Tasmania, OzHarvest and local businesses will also provide valuable real-world learning opportunities and career pathways.

Beyond practical training, the project will help address barriers faced by many young people by providing nutritious breakfast and lunch programs, creating trauma-informed learning environments and delivering vocational education on campus, removing the need for students to travel for training.

Over the coming years, Beyond the Plate will continue to grow through new industry partnerships, expanded VET programs and community outreach, with the long-term vision of becoming a DECYP-certified Field Centre that supports both Bayview students and the wider community.