Their entry into the Royal Adelaide Show Scarecrow Competition won in its category, ‘Scarecrow constructed of predominantly natural materials’, before following up with the Yates ‘Best Scarecrow in Show’ award.
The public backed in the officials, voting the Scarecrow their favourite in the People’s Choice Award, as did the Governor who granted it the Governor’s Choice Special Award.
Year 5 teachers Mrs Amelia Detmar and Mrs Edwina Bruce say that students drew inspiration from the local landscape and its cultural significance in creating the design and selecting the materials.
“While brainstorming together and building the design, we challenged Year 5 students to think outside the box to create a scarecrow that would serve its purpose but reflect the land on which we live,” Mrs Detmar says.
“Investigator College values of Sustainability, Creativity and Respect are well-represented in the end result.
“The whale tail, created with Cockle shells from Goolwa Beach, illustrates the Southern Right Whale nursery – while the Pelican head, made of feathers, sand and river reeds, symbolises the Murray and Coorong region and its iconic species.
“The body is made of cow bones from our farming families, representing our rich farming land, while the sea grapes showcase the plentiful oceans full of fish and seaweeded habitats of the Leafy Seadragon.”
The Scarecrow was built on campus before being transported to the show – but its journey doesn’t stop there.
After winning the Governors Choice Special Award, it will assume official duties in the Government House vegetable patch for three months.
Students will also have the chance to meet Her Excellency the Governor Frances Adamson AC and tour the State Rooms during Term 4.
