Within and Beyond the Farm Gate
13PRI Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs B. Dyer.
Recommended Prior LearningIt 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.
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.
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.
Statistician, Butcher, Farm Assistant, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Beekeeper, Farmer/Farm Manager, Biosecurity Officer, Crop Worker, Crop Farmer/Manager, Landscaper, Groundsperson, Packhouse Worker, Quarantine Officer, Orchard Farmer/Manager, Arborist, Heavy Truck Driver, Insurance Loss Adjuster, Automotive Technician, 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, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural Technician, Chemist, Science Technician, Civil Engineer, Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Engineer, Environmental/Public Health Officer
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery1 B8 and pens, gumboot socks.