Agricultural Studies

BUILDING SUCCESSFUL LEADERS IN AGRICULTURE

Launching in 2024 in Years 9 & 10 our new Farm Studies Course

St Paul's has developed a new Farm Studies course for students entering Year 9 & 10 to respond to the increased interest of our students to learn practical agriculture skills. The course will include - 

  • Red Meet Industry in Australia
  • Wool Production 
  • Fencing, Farm Maintenance and Technology 
  • Animal Reproductive Technologies

Students will be involved in a variety of assessments including - 

  • Practical tasks
  • Research tasks
  • Collection tasks
  • Portfolios

St Paul's is renowned for our strong agriculture programs and passion to develop agriculture leaders for the future.  

Agricultural Studies is a high profile area of specialisation at St Paul’s College. Our Agricultural Studies curriculum provides pathways for students who wish to equip themselves for a wide range of careers within the rural sector – whether working on, or managing a farm; working in research, the numerous agribusinesses or accessing post-secondary training leading to careers in the agriculture industry. 

Students’ theoretical learning is supported by practical activities on the College’s farms (totaling 92 ha) which are used for livestock, crop and pasture production. 

Our White Suffolk flock offers hands-on experience in the production of sheep and wool as well as our Angus herd, steers and chickens provides animal studies and handling.  Students also gain hands-on experience with the preparation and showing of the College’s livestock at local and Royal Shows and the opportunity to be involved in the Interschool Auctioneering Competition.  Winter cereal crops, pastures (including 8 ha of irrigated Lucerne), and a woodlot add diversity to students’ learning experiences within the Agricultural Studies stream.

Year 8 Technology (compulsory for all students)

Introduction to plant production: Introduction to animal production : Vegetable gardens and plant propagation : Farm animals and farm safety.

Years 9 & 10 Agriculture Technology or Farm Studies (elective studies)

Sheep and cattle production : Winter crop and pasture production : Landcare and land management : Alternative agricultural enterprises.

Years 11 & 12 Agriculture (an elective study)

Comprehensive case studies on a farm and an agricultural product : An emphasis on livestock and plant production : One of three electives that emphasise technology within modern
agriculture.

Years 11 & 12 Primary Industries (an elective study)

A practically based course with an emphasis on tractor driving, WHS, Farm Chemical Users Certificate, First Aid, livestock handling, fencing and crop management. Additional opportunities exist at the College for students to complete studies from as early as Year 10 in a Certificate II in Agriculture.