By Callum Ludwig
Year 9 students at Upper Yarra Secondary College (UYSC) have taken their learning to new heights this week, experimenting with drones to understand their use in agriculture.
The opportunity was made possible by a grant from the Agriculture Victoria’s Secondary School Agricultural Fund, which aims to help students pursue careers in the sector with an understanding of modern practices and technology.
Innovation Specialist and VET teacher Marcus Cook said students have been studying ‘Dromes and how they change the world?’ as part of their humanities class.
“The students have been flying the smaller DJI RoboMaster Tello Talent drones and they will also get to witness larger agricultural drones in flight,” he said.
“The technology is really expensive, so it’s really good for students to be exposed to it, access it and use tech they otherwise wouldn’t likely be able to afford. Students at UYSC can then go on to do a Certificate Three in Aviation and Remote Pilot License, so there are opportunities to build skills for future studies and then workplaces.”
Remote Pilot Trainer from The Institute of Drone Technology Ilan Kranz came to the school to guide students, showcase the larger drones and tell students about how drones are used in today’s society.
Mr Cook said the experience gives students inspiration while showing them just what the technology can do.
“For example, some of these drones we used today, can be used at nighttime and do a night show or can be taken out over a farm to do agricultural mapping,” he said.
“In Year 9, sometimes student engagement can be a problem. We’re trying to bring real-world examples into their learning, which obviously grows their interest and gets students excited while they can see real value to what they’re learning.”
Funding of up to $100,000 per initiative was available for government schools, as well as other relevant industry associations and community organisations through the Secondary Schools Agriculture Fund.
