Plans are under way to establish a farmlet at Waimate High School.
An area of land, estimated to be 5ha, that backs on to the school's playing field has been earmarked for the project, to be developed gradually throughout the year.
Agriculture teacher Stu Albrey instigated the concept, which aims to teach pupils a range of farming disciplines.
''We've already made a small start on it,'' he said.
Animal health was among the aspects pupils were already becoming familiar with, thanks to two resident alpacas, named Wai and Mo. The alpacas, which were given to the school, were shorn on site by Mr Albrey this month, with the assistance of his pupils.