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Why should I choose Agriculture and Land Use?
This specification aims to encourage students to:
• develop their scientific knowledge in relevant, enjoyable and work-based contexts;
• appreciate how knowledge of science can enhance productivity in the land-based and environmental sector;
• develop their awareness of complex relationships between humans and the environment in which they engage in agricultural activity;
• acquire core knowledge about the land-based and environmental sector and the skills required to work in it;
• develop a critical and analytical approach to problem solving within the context of work related scenarios;
• make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices in the land-based and environmental sector.
How will I be assessed in this subject?
Unit 1: Soils, Crops and Habitats:
External examination 1 hr 15mins 20% of overall qualification
Unit 2: Animals on Land:
External examination 1 hr 15mins 20% of overall qualification.
Unit 3: Contemporary Issues in Agriculture and Land use:
Students complete two controlled assessment tasks:
A practical investigation 20% of overall qualification.
A research Project 40% of overall qualification.
What will I study?
Unit 1:
Unit 1:
Soils, Crops and Habitats
Soils, Crops and Habitats
In this unit students gain an understanding of plants and recognise the key role of plants in the food chain, starting with an appreciation of soil composition and its importance in producing plant crops.
Through practical work and fieldwork, students learn how to identify native species in a variety of habitats as well as developing knowledge of how plants contribute to maintaining a healthy and balanced environment.
The unit also aims to raise student awareness of the diverse types of farming employed across Northern Ireland and the impact that a range of factors has on the production systems used. Finally, students analyse the impact agricultural practices have on the natural environment and consider how modern farming can limit this impact, while enhancing biodiversity and promoting sustainability.
Unit 2:
Unit 2:
Animals on the Land
Animals on the Land
Over 60 percent of the population of Northern Ireland is classified as rural. Farming, along with land-based and environmental industries, makes a significant contribution to the local economy.
This unit aims to educate students about the main animal species that are kept commercially in Northern Ireland. The unit focuses on the key aspects of cow, sheep, pig and poultry husbandry, including health, welfare and breeding. Students understand how decisions, for example about breeding and feeding, affect farm profitability. They learn how farming is responding to increasing environmental concerns about land use and consider aspects of sustainability at farm level, including farm diversification.
Through practical work students will be able to apply their knowledge and understanding to a realistic context.
Unit 3:
Unit 3:
Contemporary Issues in Agriculture and Land Use
Contemporary Issues in Agriculture and Land Use
In this unit students carry out a practical investigation (Task 1) and a research project (Task 2) into topics relevant to contemporary issues in Agriculture and Land Use.
What careers paths are available to me if I study this subject?
Students develop core knowledge about the land-based and environmental sector and the skills required to work in it. They also develop skills to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices in this sector.
Extra Curricular Activities
If you choose GCSE Agriculture and Land Use, you may have the opportunity to take part in the following activities;
Field trips
Guest speakers
Farm visits
Horticultural activities in the greenhouse
Scientific experiments
Student Testimonials
I chose agriculture purely as I live on a farm and really enjoy it and that I would like agriculture to be a part of my job as I want to be a vet. There are so many young farmers today but some girls in agriculture hide it as it’s seen as uncool or not for women. I did this at the start of secondary school but then at the Year 10 convention day, I found out more about what are school offers with agriculture and how it’s a big part of life today.
My first day in my agriculture class, I was nervous as I thought I was going to be the only girl but when I went in, I saw I wasn’t and that there were 3 girls. I then saw that the class was very small and actually shocked to see so few.
After a few lessons, I really enjoyed it and my teacher Mr Calvin was there if you needed any help which was great as I knew I had somewhere to go.
Unit one is all about crops and plant biology where it was very informative and enjoyable. To be honest, I thought it was going to be really easy and we were going to fly through everything as we were all farmers but that was not the case. There’s so much more about agriculture I didn’t know until now and it is broken down for you to understand a bit more which is good.
Now moving on to unit two which is livestock. This was exciting as for me I enjoy animals the most. You will learn more about them and everything to do with them with classes planned out for you so you know what you are doing.
With quizzes at the end of topics to recap what you learn, I found it very helpful with revision. With diagrams and charts to help you understand it further, there is also some experiments in agriculture which I also didn’t know and were all interesting and informative.
You also will have a book which has all the PowerPoint slides in it you will need to look over and past paper questions which will give you an understanding about future tests and a fact file for any information you want on the topics. You will also learn about a few jobs in agriculture which opened up my job choices which was good as I didn’t know the half of them. You will also look at the both sides of topics, advantages and disadvantages which gives you more information. You will also be given different examples of topics and they are also broken down and explained in a simpler way which helps with revision. You will also draw and label diagrams which is very useful for a visual Learner.
Mr Calvin would be the reason I’m still doing agriculture as a subject as he makes the classes very enjoyable with also explaining everything you will need to know, he also will provide you with things to revise with. Overall he is the best teacher for agriculture in my opinion. You should choose agriculture even if you’re not a farmer as it gives you a better understanding of agriculture by also being enjoyable.
Aimee Lee Morgan, Past Pupil
"Hi, I'm Cian, and I chose GCSE Agriculture and Land Use because it combines my love for science and the environment with practical, hands-on learning. This subject has given me a deeper understanding of how we can enhance productivity in farming while promoting sustainability. Through field trips and farm visits, I see firsthand the diverse types of farming in Northern Ireland and how modern practices can positively impact our environment.
Did you know the Agri-Food Industry is worth £5.4bn to the local economy every year, there are 113,000 people employed in the industry and the Agri-Food Sector is the 2nd largest employer in Northern Ireland. Our farms here produce enough food to feed England and Wales 5 times over each year.
Studying this subject opens up a wide range of career paths, from agricultural science and environmental management to animal husbandry and farm management. It's not just about learning in the classroom; it's about preparing for a future where I can make a real difference in the land-based and environmental sector. If you're passionate about the environment and want a career that makes an impact, I highly recommend choosing Agriculture and Land Use."
Cian, Y11 Student
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