News Primary
1 August 2025
This week, our Year 4 cohort ventured out to the Western Treatment Plant for a memorable learning experience focused on the Urban Water Cycle. This real‑world excursion brought their classroom studies to life and deepened their understanding of how water is managed, treated, and recycled in our city.
Our students were fascinated to learn that the treatment plant is as large as Phillip Island and processes nearly half of Melbourne’s wastewater. They followed the journey of water through each stage of treatment from stormwater drains and sewer systems to enormous tanks and recycled water channels. Students were amazed by the scale and complexity of it all.
They also discovered how wastewater from homes and schools is cleaned and made safe before being reused as recycled water. They are now little experts on Class A and Class C recycled water and even know how many days it takes for water to pass through the treatment process!
Some favourite facts included:
Rich discussions throughout the day helped students connect water, people, and wildlife, and understand the importance of protecting and conserving our natural resources. They saw science in action, asked thoughtful questions, and came away with a new appreciation for water sustainability and the hidden systems that support our city.
It was a day full of curiosity, discovery, and learning. A big thank you to the Year 4 team and staff who made this excursion such a success!