Within and Beyond the Farm Gate
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs B. Dyer.
The New Zealand economy relies heavily on the primary sector. The sector is crying out for talented young people like you. Want to come out of university with little to no debt? There are a huge array of scholarships and many students are head hunted before leaving university for well paid and secure jobs. The primary sector is also for those not wanting to work on farms but be involved with animals, plants, ecology, zoology and soils. Exciting and wide ranging career opportunities.
This is a UE recognised course and a full basket, it has report writing and practical learning. Students will be involved in growing a crop of flowers on the school farm. Commercial horticulture and sustainability are the focus. We will grow a commercial crop of flowers and sell them. Trips will be included in this course.
Students will visit a few industries to gain deeper understanding and can tailor make a course if they are dedicated.
Students are welcome to study either Agriculture or Horticulture for their profitability study and can choose to do the Environmental exam as well as or instead of the Plant Production processes exam.
Course Overview
Term 1
Plant and care for sunflower plants right through to picking and selling - this learning will help students towards their profitability study later in the year.
Identify and describe pest and diseases and their control on the school orchard and sunflower block.
Possible early morning trip to the Flower auction.
Term 2
Investigation - this is students choice. It can be anything related to what they are interested in with regards to plants or animals. But there can be some eithics issues if using animals.
Some options include vase life, Stream health investigations, fertiliser investigations, cuttings and their treatment for root growth, pasture growth
Students will start to learn about a crop or farm type and start their research for their Profitability study.
Trips will occur during this term.
Term 3
Profitability study on a farm type of students choice
Exam study about either Plant Management practices and their influence on plant growth, or an Agriculture/Horticulture impact on the environment exam.
Term 4
End of year exam practice.
Recommended Prior Learning
It is recommended that students understand and plant physiology and soil science. Year 12 Primary Industries or Year 12 biology would be beneficial. Commercial horticulture practices is useful.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
1 B8 and pens, gumboot socks.
Pathway
Agriculture and Horticulture science, production, engineering. forestry science, ecology, climate science, veterinary, equine, agriculture and horticulture consultant, agronomist, plant and animal breeder, animal science, veterinary nurse, land surveyor
Assessment Information
This is a UE course, there are 3 written components including the exam. One is a practical investigation. There are two unit standards which are used to enhance the learning and understanding of students. This subject can be endorsed.Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
This course is approved for University Entrance.
External
NZQA Info
Identify and describe plant pests, diseases, and disorders, and methods of prevention and control
NZQA Info
Plant and care for plants
NZQA Info
Agricultural and Horticultural Science 3.1 - Carry out an investigation into an aspect of a New Zealand primary product or its production
NZQA Info
Agricultural and Horticultural Science 3.2 - Research and report on the impact of factors on the profitability of a New Zealand primary product
NZQA Info
Agricultural and Horticultural Science 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of how the production process meets market requirements for a New Zealand primary product(s)
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 14
Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.
Pathway Possibilities
Agricultural Technician, Statistician, Butcher, Farm Assistant, Science Technician, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Beekeeper, Farmer/Farm Manager, Biosecurity Officer, Crop Worker, Crop Farmer/Manager, Landscaper, Groundsperson, Packhouse Worker, Quarantine Officer, Orchard Farmer/Manager, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Arborist, Heavy Truck Driver, Insurance Loss Adjuster, Automotive Technician, Environmental Scientist, Firefighter, Forest Manager, Forestry and Logging Worker, Forestry Scientist, Health and Safety Adviser, Helicopter Pilot, Nursery Grower/Worker, Project Manager, Wood Processing Worker, Aquaculture Farmer, Marine Biologist, Deckhand, Fishing Skipper, Diver, Marine Engineer,