At Boonah State High School, we pride ourselves on offering innovative and practical learning experiences that integrate multiple disciplines. Our Paddock to Plate event is a cross-curricular program, combining Agriculture, Hospitality, Business, IT, Industrial Technology & Design (ITD), and Arts to create meaningful, real world opportunities for our students.
This program is spearheaded by Elliott Platz, a celebrated chef at Kooroomba Vineyards and a former BSHS student. Over several weeks, Elliott works closely with hospitality students, guiding them in planning and preparing multi-course meals that showcase their skills. The meals highlight our school-grown produce, including beef raised in agricultural feed trials and vegetables cultivated by Agricultural Practices students. Local businesses generously support the initiative by donating additional ingredients, fostering strong community ties and partnerships.
The program has seen remarkable success. In 2023, we collaborated with 64 industry partners to deliver an exceptional event. Building on this momentum, the 2024 program sold 90 tickets within just 48 hours, welcoming community members to experience the talents of our students firsthand. These events not only celebrate student achievements but also strengthen connections between the school and local industries, creating pathways for casual employment, School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATs), and other career opportunities.
In addition to the culinary focus, our IT students contribute to the program's success by designing professional marketing materials and producing the event video. This aspect of the program further enhances their practical skills and prepares them for future employment in creative and digital industries.
Beyond the event itself, this initiative plays a pivotal role in boosting student engagement and improving learning outcomes. By integrating real world applications into the curriculum, students gain valuable hands on experience that builds their confidence, fosters teamwork, and prepares them for life beyond school.
Our cross-curricular program not only showcases the incredible talents of our students but also highlights the power of community collaboration in creating opportunities that inspire, engage, and prepare young people for bright futures. Boonah State High School is proud to lead the way in fostering innovation, connection, and excellence in education.