Tocal presents a range of opportunities for teachers and students to engage with food and fibre production both on-site and through resources targeting the outcomes of the NSW syllabuses.
School visits to the Tocal farms and heritage precinct, including Tocal Homestead, are available for all classes. The NSW Department of Primary Industries Schools Program – part of Tocal College – provides a range of teaching resources and opportunities to learn about the work of the Department of Primary Industries in ensuring sustainable food and fibre production for NSW.
The Tocal Virtual Farm can be used by Kindergarten to Stage 6 students to investigate food and fibre production.
Bosley, Charlotte and Freda are farm animals on Tocal. This growing series of picture books are short, sweet, and a great way to introduce young kids to farming. Together they show us what farming in Australia is like as well as how to be caring friends. The books are available as paperback, ebooks, and Auslan videos.
Activities are also designed to support the use of the picture books in delivering Stage 1 and Early Stage 1 outcomes. Find them at www.nswdpi-schools-program.com/picturebooks
Beatrice
Beatrice is a bee on Tocal, she is part of a team that includes bees and people. In this new book children will learn about how a bee colony operates and the role of the beekeeper in making sure they have everything they need to produce beautiful fresh honey.
Bosley and Bruce
Bosley is one of the icons of Tocal, since Bruce West recognised that what Bosley lacked in muscle he made up for in temperament. This new children's book is about Bosley and Bruce. It's short, sweet, and a great way to introduce young kids to farming.
Charlotte
Charlotte is just like all the other chickens at Numeralla egg farm. Except for one thing. Charlotte doesn’t really like crowds. So how does one chicken find peace on a busy free range egg farm? With a little understanding from her friends! This book shows readers free range egg production, from range yards to nest boxes to egg packing.
Freda
Freda is the best milking cow at Tocal dairy. At first she wasn’t sure what to do when she got into the dairy, but with a bit of help from the staff she soon got the hang of it!
Jack and Dunedoo
Jack and Dunedoo are dogs with a special job. They look after the sheep at Tocal. Understanding how important their job is didn’t come naturally to Jack. But with a great role model like Dunedoo he soon worked it out!
Sunny and Ruby
Sunny and Ruby are Australian Stock Horses on Tocal. They are siblings and best of friends. Sunny looks up to his older sister, although at times, he is just a tiny bit jealous. With time, care and training both grow to be horses we are all proud of!
Professional development
Professional development opportunities for teachers
Teaching resources
To support teachers in both Primary and High Schools deliver food and fibre learning, we have developed teaching resources that are mapped to a range of syllabus outcomes.
School excursions
Bring your class to Tocal
The NSW DPI teaching resources are mapped to NSW syllabus outcomes and can be used by both primary and secondary teachers in food and fibre education across multiple subjects and KLAs.
Tocal Virtual Farm
The Tocal Virtual Farm - everything you could ever want to know about the Tocal farms and property.
STEM and DPI
STEM and the NSW Department of Primary Industries - explore the science and technology across NSW.
Tocal Farm videos
Tocal Farm videos in virtual reality and standard format. Explore the YouTube channel to find out more about the amazing work going on in the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
Study with Tocal
Tocal courses are renowned Australia-wide for providing students with practical training, development of industry-relevant skills and experience in all aspects of agriculture and land management.
Primary school career cards
A set of Lego characters representing the pulse industry supply chain and the people that bring food to us.
Secondary school career cards
A set of careers cards highlighting the range of careers available within the Department of Primary Industries.
Career Harvest Website
For a full round-up of careers in agricultural sectors check out the Career Harvest website.
Careers in agriculture
You might be surprised by what a career in primary industries can mean for you...
Farm images - for your assignment or just to see what the farms are like.
Want to find out about news, events, courses and publications?