Agriculture

Prerequisite  None

Course Description

The Year 11 course shows the relationship between agricultural production, marketing and management, while giving consideration to the issue of sustainability of the farming system. This is an ‘on-farm’, environment-oriented course. In practical terms, agriculture is the study of production and marketing of food and fibre.

The Higher School Certificate course builds upon the Year 11 course. It examines the complexity and scientific principles of the components of agricultural production and places a greater emphasis on farm management to maximise productivity and environmental sustainability. The farm as a fundamental production unit provides a basis for analysing and addressing social, environmental and economic issues as they relate to sustainability, from both national and international perspectives. This is achieved through the farm product study. Australian agriculture faces many challenges and significant and continuous change is needed to address these challenges. New computer, satellite, robotic and biological technologies are being integrated into management systems. As farmers need to respond to changing economic, social and climatic conditions, the electives focus on innovations, issues and challenges facing Australian agriculture.

Agriculture in Australia, and the world, is at a critical phase in ensuring food security in a dynamic global environment. Increasing pressure from climate change and population growth have led to an increasing emphasis on production efficiency and sustainability. Australia plays a leading role in advancing agricultural technology. Unlike many other industries, the number and variety of career opportunities in Agriculture is increasing. There is a nationwide shortfall of agriculture workers and undergraduates and there are a large range of employment opportunities currently available in diverse agricultural fields. The study of Agriculture at this level will provide insight into the industry which may lead to further opportunities in the future.

The study of Agriculture encompasses a wide range of areas and links well with concepts relating to natural sciences, environmental science, food production, geography, agri-business and marketing. Students studying agriculture are able to draw on, and develop, knowledge in these areas.

For whom is this subject intended

Agriculture and its related industries support 1.6 million jobs in Australia.  Career paths range from farm production, research, management, marketing, manufacturing and food processing, natural resource management, education and policy development.

Main Topics Covered

Year 11 course

●        Overview of Australian Agriculture

●        The Farm Case Study 

●        Plant Production 

●        Animal Production

HSC Course 

Core Topics  

●        Plant/Animal Production  

●        Farm/Product Study 

Elective ONE of the following:

●        Agri-food, Fibre and Fuel Technologies 

●        Climate Challenge

●        Farming for the 21st Century

Particular Course Requirements

It is intended that students engage in and reflect upon practical experience relevant to all aspects of the physical, chemical, biological, economic and social sciences embodied within Agriculture Stage 6. Some of this experience will be in the laboratory, some in small plot work and some on commercial farms or other components of the industry. In all cases, students should use these practical experiences to develop design, practical, management, observation, recording, interpretation and communication skills. Practical experiences are also used to achieve coverage of the content statements not specifically related to skills. The practical experiences should occupy a minimum of 30% of allocated course time.