TEACHERS took a back seat at Bendigo Creek on Wednesday as Huntly Primary School students led lessons in environmental awareness, indigenous significance and native species.
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The Year 3-4 students held classes for their counterparts from Epsom and Goornong primary schools as part of the school's Kids Teaching Kids program.
Up to 150 students were creek-side throughout the day as they helped to propagate more than 1000 rare Whirrakee wattles.
Huntly Primary School principal Craig Burnett said collaborative learning with other schools had been a focus in recent years.
"The school has skilled the students up in their ability to teach others," he said.
"They passed on their knowledge of propagating trees, the various types of insects and lizards at the creek and the significance of indigenous culture.
"They involve themselves collaboratively and create their own way of teaching."
The students from Epsom and Goornong rotated through the various stations led by students from Huntly.
Huntly Primary School has run the Kids Teaching Kids program for almost four years.
Mr Burnett said the school's proximity to Bendigo Creek was an asset.
"With the Department of Education, the program develops kids' skills in collaboration, community and citizenship. We also connect with 1000s of schools worldwide," he said.
"The day at Bendigo Creek is the perfect opportunity for us to continue to connect with Goornong and Epsom.
"I'd also like to acknowledge the significant support and contribution from the Northern Bendigo Landcare Group, who we have had a five to six year partnership with."
Goornong Primary School students also showed their environmental side as part of Enviroweek 2014 last week.
They held a community day inviting parents and friends to sample the various garden-based activities at the school.