Woori Yallock Farm School

The Woori Yallock Farm School is a unique outdoor education program focused on hands-on learning, environmental education, and personal development, located on five acres of bushland in the Yarra Valley. Our site features outdoor workshop spaces, nursery facilities, bike and walking tracks, and a variety of outdoor learning opportunities, providing a rich environment for exploration and skill-building. We cater to students aged 12–18 years and accept small group referrals from schools across the Northeast region of Melbourne.

Our Approach

At the Woori Yallock Farm School, students engage in a variety of hands-on experiences, outdoor activities, and practical projects. Our programs are designed to:

  • Develop personal confidence, resilience, and teamwork.
  • Provide real-world, vocational, and outdoor learning opportunities.
  • Encourage student engagement and self-directed learning through practical, project-based activities.

Students attend the program one day per week for a semester. This structure allows participants to engage consistently with the program, build skills over time, and apply what they learn in a practical, hands-on environment.

Our Programs

We offer three program streams tailored to different age groups and learning needs including:

  • The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Bronze Level
  • Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC10124)
  • Farm School Awards Program (Junior and Senior)

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Bronze Level

Ages: 14–18

A globally recognised youth development program that challenges young people to discover their potential, develop life skills, and give back to their communities. Participants complete activities across four key sections:

  • Voluntary Service – making a positive difference through community service.
  • Skill Development – building new abilities or improving existing talents.
  • Physical Recreation – promoting health, wellbeing, and fitness through regular activity.
  • Adventurous Journey – planning, training for, and completing an outdoor expedition.

Students who complete this program earn the Bronze Award, recognised by schools, universities, and employers worldwide.

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Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC10124)

Ages: 15–18

Delivered in partnership with CIRE Training (RTO: 4150), the Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC10124) is a nationally accredited course providing an introduction to land management, sustainability, and practical conservation skills.

Students will complete a range of Units of Competency, including:

On completion, students are awarded a Certificate I qualification, which can be a pathway into further vocational training or employment.

Farm School Awards Program

The Farm School Award is available to both junior and senior students and is unique to Woori Yallock Farm School. The program combines onsite and offsite learning experiences designed to enhance student engagement, strengthen personal and social capabilities, and support the development of vocational and educational pathways. Upon completion, students receive a Farm School Award, which documents their achievements and skills, helping to open up opportunities for future employment or further education.

    Junior Outdoor Skills Award (JOSA)

    (Ages 12–14)

    The Junior Outdoor Skills Award (JOSA) is a foundational program that introduces students to outdoor learning and practical skill development. It focuses on building confidence, teamwork, and personal capabilities through hands-on activities in a supportive environment. Students will cover four key learning areas including:

    Work Skills

    Students complete practical outdoor projects, such as garden and nursery work, habitat maintenance, and other tasks that develop responsibility and problem-solving.

    Community Service

    Participants take part in community environmental projects, including revegetation, nest box building, and fauna monitoring, fostering teamwork and social responsibility.

    Outdoor Recreation

    Students engage in active outdoor experiences like mountain biking, bushwalking, and navigation, developing fitness, resilience, and essential outdoor skills.

    Personal and Social Capabilities

    Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum, students develop skills in teamwork, communication, self-management, and decision-making within an outdoor setting. These capabilities help them work effectively with others, take initiative, and manage challenges in real-world outdoor contexts.

     

    Senior Outdoor Leadership Award (SOLA)

    Ages: 14–18

    The Senior Outdoor Leadership Award (SOLA) is designed for older students to build on foundational outdoor skills while developing leadership, responsibility, and applied problem-solving in outdoor and environmental contexts. Students will cover four key learning areas including:

    Work Skills

    Students lead and participate in practical outdoor projects, such as habitat restoration, advanced gardening or nursery tasks, and site maintenance, developing planning, organisation, and leadership capabilities.

    Community Service

    Participants take part in community-focused environmental initiatives, including revegetation, nest box construction, fauna monitoring, and mentoring younger students, encouraging responsibility, initiative, and leadership in collaborative projects.

    Outdoor Recreation

    Students engage in challenging outdoor activities such as longer bushwalks, navigation exercises, mountain biking, and expedition planning, developing resilience, decision-making, and applied leadership in outdoor settings.

    Personal and Social Capabilities

    Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum, participants develop advanced skills in teamwork, leadership, communication, problem-solving, and self-management. These skills are applied in outdoor projects and activities, enabling students to take initiative, manage groups, make decisions, and lead safely and effectively in practical, real-world environments.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do students get to the Farm School?
    Students are transported to and from their referring school by bus. They are picked up at the start of the day and dropped off at the end of the day, ensuring safe and convenient travel.

    How much does the program cost?
    Program enrolment fees are based on a ‘fee for service’ structure as determined by the Department of Education. Additional enrolment fees may apply for the Certificate I and Duke of Edinburgh programs. Please contact us using the details below to discuss specific costs.

    Do you accept individual student enrolments?
    Unfortunately, we are not able to accept individual enrolments at this time. We currently only accept small group referrals from schools in the outer Northeastern region. However, you can contact us or your young person’s currently enrolled school to discuss whether a group enrolment is possible.

    Get in Touch

    For more information about the Woori Yallock Farm School or to discuss referrals, please contact us:

    Email:
    [email protected]
    Phone:
    9724 2990
    Address:
    30 Church Rd, Woori Yallock, 3139

    Address

    30 Church Road
    Woori Yallock VIC 3139


    Telephone

    (03) 9724 2990

    Woori Yallock Farm School

    Principal
    Ms. Bronwyn Harcourt

    Assistant Principals
    Mrs. Kaye Bhan
    Mrs. Annie Eastwood

    Address:
    61-77 Croydon Road
    Croydon, VIC 3136

    Postal:
    P.O. Box 239
    Croydon, VIC 3136

    Telephone:
    (03) 9724 2900

    Facsimile:
    (03) 9724 2999

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