Welcome to Downlands College
Where your heart finds a home
Downlands College is a Prep to Year 12, independent, Catholic, coeducational, day and boarding school with a long tradition of heart-centred and values-based education.
Situated in the regional city of Toowoomba at the centre of a prosperous rural community, Downlands provides a full range of facilities often found only in large cities. The College is nestled in 38 hectares of landscaped grounds, with historic buildings and modern facilities, including a performing arts centre; dance, drama and film studios; indoor sports centre; flourishing Rural Centre; seven ovals; and a heated 50m outdoor pool.
Downlands is a place where one’s heart can find a home - where students can grow and flourish as they develop a sense of truth, goodness and beauty and so be ready to go out and to make a difference in the world.
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At Downlands College Rural Centre, you might come across some raised garden beds that look a little different from the usual veggie patch. Beneath these mounds, something special is quietly taking place. Our Year 11 Rural Operations students recently began a hügelkultur project, exploring whether alternative gardening methods can promote sustainable food production in our local climate. Hügelkultur (pronounced “hoo-gell-culture”) is an age-old agricultural practice rooted in German and Eastern European traditions. The term means “mound culture” or “hill culture,” reflecting its distinct shape. The process involves building up layers of decaying wood, organic material, soil, and compost to create a living, breathing garden bed. Over time, this mound enriches the soil, nurtures the plants above, and exemplifies the beauty of working in harmony with nature’s cycles. It’s a method that values renewal and resourcefulness. Guided by their teacher, Mr Will Mann, the students scouted the paddock for old logs, branches, and woody debris, to form the foundation of their mounds. They then layered sticks, leaf litter, and green garden waste, collected from around the school. Each layer brought different textures and nutrients to the mix, creating the perfect environment for decomposition. Finally, the mounds were topped with a rich layer of soil and compost, locking in moisture and providing an ideal space for planting vegetables. Through teamwork and care, the class transformed an empty patch of earth into a living garden bed that will serve the College for seasons to come. The hügelkultur project is more than a lesson in alternative gardening. It’s an opportunity for students to learn about self-sufficiency, environmental care, and the value of shared effort. "I wanted the students to be given an opportunity to try a different way of producing food to what they might have seen in the past. Simple ideas like this are hopefully going to help with sustainability in the future," Mr Mann says. And through hands-on experience in Agriculture crop establishment, our Rural Operations students are learning skills that go beyond the textbook. "Taking what was just a bare patch of dirt and transforming it into a thriving garden, hopefully, is giving the students a unique opportunity to do a full establishment of a crop. They are also learning alternative ways to produce a similar product to what is conventionally used in Australia, and hopefully, inspiring them with a new way of looking at the needs of a changing industry and growing into thoughtful stewards of the land." Downlands College is dedicated to supporting the future of farming. Our renowned Agricultural Science program is a standout feature of our curriculum, offering students hands-on learning opportunities at our 14-hectare on-site farm, the College Rural Centre. The Downlands Agricultural curriculum combines high standards with practical experience, inspiring students to excel in both Agricultural Science and Vocational Education programs. With a focus on real-world learning, our students gain valuable skills in farming, sustainability, and agricultural innovation.
Downlands becomes the first coeducational boarding school in Australasia to achieve Australian Boarding Standards Accreditation. Learn about our exceptional program.
Meet Chelsea, a dedicated Year 12 student from Downlands College, who recently had the opportunity to participate in the Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science, and Technology (FEAST) program at the University of Queensland (UQ) Gatton Campus. This residential program, designed for senior high school students, offers a glimpse into the world of agriculture, veterinary science, and technology, aiming to inspire the next generation of professionals in these critical fields. Chelsea’s journey through FEAST was nothing short of transformative, providing her with invaluable insights and experiences. Discovering the Purpose of FEAST The FEAST program showcases the extensive agriculture, veterinary, and science facilities at UQ Gatton as well as highlights the diverse career and educational opportunities available through the university in this field of study. Participants have the chance to interact with university academics, researchers, and industry networks, gaining firsthand experience that could shape their future aspirations. Hands-On Learning Experiences During the FEAST program, Chelsea explored opportunities at UQ, delved into the intricacies of different cuts of beef and cooking methods, and learned about seed germination and root activity. The program also introduced her to agriculture and veterinary researchers, as well as topics on food sustainability and veterinary careers. Chelsea appreciated the dedication of the professors and scientists who not only answered questions but also inspired curiosity and passion over the course of the three-day event. The program wasn’t all work and no play; it included memorable bonding activities within each of the groups of students and even a fun-filled disco night. Highlights and Takeaways When asked about her favourite part of the program, Chelsea highlighted the inspiring talk by Professor Sagadevan Mundree on sustainable agriculture. This session ignited her interest in the field and opened her eyes to the global possibilities of sustainable practices. Additionally, Chelsea enjoyed networking with other students through various activities that allowed her to form lasting friendships, making the experience even more special. Future Aspirations in Agriculture Looking ahead, Chelsea is eager to pursue a career in agriculture with a focus on sustainability. While she hasn’t yet pinpointed a specific path, she believes that more experiences like FEAST will help her refine her goals. Her ambition is to ensure that agricultural production is both sustainable and optimised for quality and quantity. Influences and Support Chelsea credits her parents for influencing her interest in the FEAST program. They encouraged her to connect with like-minded individuals and explore her passions, a decision that proved to be incredibly beneficial. She also acknowledges the positive impact of the College's Learning Pathways team that introduced her to the program and her Agricultural Science classes that provided a solid foundation in agriculture and biology, steering her interest in sustainable agriculture. Reflecting on the Journey Chelsea’s experience at UQ Gatton’s FEAST program was a pivotal moment in her educational journey. It not only broadened her understanding of the agricultural sciences but also solidified her passion for making a meaningful impact in the field. With the support of her family and the Downlands College Learning Pathways team, Chelsea is well on her way to a promising future in sustainable agriculture, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Chelsea’s story is a testament to the power of experiential learning and the importance of support systems in shaping a student’s future. Programs like FEAST play a crucial role in inspiring young minds, offering them the tools and knowledge they need to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.
