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Course Overview
Course Overview
The Agriculture course focuses on the Farm Case Studies, production aspects in the Year 11 course and marketing of the products related to the Farm Case Study in the Year 12 course. It examines the complexity and scientific principles of the components of agricultural production, but places a greater emphasis on the place of the farm in the wider economic, environmental and social environment. 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 national and international perspectives.
Students will grow, harvest and analyse crops. They will also raise livestock and undertake excursions to farms and agricultural exhibitions.
Course Structure - Year 11
Course Structure - Year 11
Unit 1: Overview
Unit 1: Overview
- This component is focused on the interactive nature of agricultural production. The factors that influence agriculture and that are in turn influenced by agriculture are studied. The concepts raised in the overview are integrated throughout the course.
Unit 2: Farm Case Study
Unit 2: Farm Case Study
- This component involves the study of farm production systems by investigating and visiting a selected farm or farms.
Unit 3: Plant Production
Unit 3: Plant Production
- This component focuses on production and management of plants for commercial purposes. Plants in agricultural systems cannot be studied without analysing their interactions with resources (such as soils, climate, farm structures) and microbes/pests that exist in most farm environments.
Unit 4: Animal Production
Unit 4: Animal Production
- This component is focused on the production and management of animals for commercial purposes. Animals in agricultural systems cannot be studied without analysing their interactions with plants, climate, resources and microbes/pests that exist in most farm environments.
Course Structure - Year 12
Course Structure - Year 12
Unit 1: Plant/Animal Production
Unit 1: Plant/Animal Production
- Animal production is dependent on plants, which in turn are dependent on the soil and water. Farmers aim to manage the physical and biological processes in soils, plants and animals to produce agricultural products in a sustainable manner. Students examine the ways in which farmers manage and manipulate these processes and systems to maximise outputs.
Unit 2: Farm Case Study
Unit 2: Farm Case Study
- Farms are a part of a broader sector in which products are marketed and processed. Students examine marketing and processing of a product in terms of its quality and quantity and undertake a specific farm product study.
Electives
Electives
Elective 1: Agri-food, Fibre and Fuel Technologies
Elective 1: Agri-food, Fibre and Fuel Technologies
- This elective examines the role of biotechnology in the production of food, fibre and fuel in agricultural systems. It deals with the terminology and process of biotechnology at the gene level with an examination of the problems and benefits of genetic engineering and gene technology.
Elective 3: Famring for the 21st Century
Elective 3: Famring for the 21st Century
- The aim of this elective is to introduce students to the range of developing technologies and for students to appreciate their impact on agriculture. It is also an opportunity for students to gain a further understanding of a new technology.
Coursework
Complete to a satisfactory standard: research, practical work, practical reports, report writing, text studies, summaries, topic tests, problem sets, classwork, and homework.
Suitable Candidates
This course appeals to students who need a good ATAR and also to those who wish to develop practical skills leading to employment.
Career paths
Animal nutritionist, Ecologist, Environmental engineer, Farm manager, Fisheries officer, Hydrogeologist, Marine scientist.
Equipment Required
Workbook, laptop, black leather lace up shoes
Mandatory Course Fees? No
Other Course Costs
Coordinating Faculty
Science
Head Teacher
Mrs. S Norrish
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