Sustainable Future – Harry Carr on possum pest hunt
F amily, farming, and native flora all drive Harry Carr in his determination to target an ecological nightmare devouring the natural environment – possums. For the School House student, the Sustainable Future element of his Christ’s College Diploma is one of the best parts, matching his commitment to protecting a native habitat created by his grandmother and stock on his family farm with his push to achieve Gold in that module. An academic programme in Years 10–11, the Diploma enables students to be recognised across six character elements: Academic Engagement, Character and Leadership, Community and Service, Discovery and Challenge, Global Citizenship, Taha Māori, and Sustainable Future. While there are compulsory subjects, boys can choose the content and context in many learning areas. Equally, the Diploma acknowledges excellence outside the classroom. The full programme aims to deepen learning in preparing the boys for NCEA Level 2.
“Sustainable Future is one of my favourite elements,” Harry says of the Diploma. “And the more I can do to stop possums damaging our native reserve, destroying farmland, and spreading TB, the better it is for our community.”
programme. It’s a step forward, so you are ready for Level 2. “Doing this Diploma element has also made me more aware of our environment and the need to do things. It has made me think about what I need to achieve at College too.” Harry is enjoying his time at school and in the boarding House, along with playing rugby – switching between the Development XV and the 2nd XV. Post-College, Harry plans to follow that environmental practice within farming, with his family involved in a range of farm- focused businesses. For now, holidays and home time are concentrated on his grandmother’s reserve and ridding the area of possums. Possums have a massive impact on native vegetation and wildlife and are a major threat to farming throughout the country. “My grandmother has developed a natural reserve on the family property in Mayfield and I have seen up close the damage done by possums. We have a
All his work to rid the native habitat and farmland of the voracious pests contributes
towards the Sustainable Future element, with Harry aiming for the highest achievement level in that section – Gold. “I really rate the Diploma in helping me better prepare for NCEA Level 2.” “I really rate the Diploma in helping me better prepare for NCEA Level 2,” he says. “A lot of people have told me that they have found the move from Level 1 to Level 2 a massive step up. However, the Diploma programme, which replaces Level 1 at College, really prepares you well for that step. You can work your way up in lots of areas of the
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