

Year 11 Agricultural and Horticultural Studies Units 1 and 2
Overview
The Agricultural and Horticultural Industries are at the forefront of feeding the world’s growing population, conserving our precious natural resources and tackling the impacts of climate change.
Agriculture and Horticulture Studies Units 1 and 2, will explore the production of food and fibre within Australia. You will investigate the science, technology and business of cultivating soil, growing crops and raising livestock.
You will be introduced to the impacts of climate and soils, breeding and genetics, and nutrition and growth in key Australian animal and plant production industries through practical activities, research, and industry expert guests.
The importance of innovation and technologies, animal welfare, occupational health and safety, consumer demands and sustainability is investigated throughout Unit 1 and 2.
Who is it for?
This subject is for people who:
- Are interested in the production of plants and animals
- Enjoy working with animals or growing plants
- Enjoy practical, hands on learning and tasks
- Want to understand where their food comes from
- Want to overcome challenges of climate change, food shortages and animal health.
What do you do?
Throughout Units 1 and 2 you will conduct a wide range of activities, including:
- The overnight Animal Handling and Management Camp
- Growing a vegetable or cereal crop
- Plant propagation techniques
- Virtual excursions
- Experiments into soils and plant growth
- Local research and specimen collection.
What skills do you need?
- Organisational skills will help when planning and gathering equipment for practical tasks
- Self-motivation and enthusiasm will support the ongoing care of plants, and involvement in animal husbandry camp
- Monitoring and recording data collected in field or from practical tasks
- Study skills will help you succeed in Agricultural and horticultural Studies.
- Ability to communicate with farmers during virtual tours via microphone or chat
- Sharing opinions, thoughts and ideas on topics covered.
What skills do you develop?
- Workplace health and safety
- Monitoring plant growth
- Conducting field work
- Gathering data from practical tasks
- Case study analysis
- Research skills
- Communication skills.
- Management of animals
Requirements
- You must have access to the internet to access this course. All work will be completed and submitted online weekly.
- A digital device to photograph and film your work and practical activities.
- You will be required to grow a small vegetable or cereal crop in this course. This will be dependent on your home circumstances, available space and materials. In the course, you will plan your crop with your teacher and then will be required to purchase the necessary materials.
Things to think about
Agricultural and Horticultural Studies is a hands-on subject.
You will be required to attend camp, handle animals, grow plants, conduct experiments and engage with industry experts.
You will need to plan ahead to gather resources and make the time to perform hands-on and practical tasks
We will be investigating the production of animals, which includes investigating the process of reproduction through to harvest or slaughter. These topics and themes will be discussed and covered in detail throughout the course.
You are expected to spend approximately 5 hours a week completing the course work in Agriculture and Horticulture Studies.
Things you can do now
You can begin to gain an understanding of the Agricultural and Horticultural industries by:
- Watching Landline every Sunday at 12.30 on ABCTV.
- Listening to The Victorian Country Hour on ABC Radio daily at 12 noon, or download the ABC listen app and search The Victorian Country Hour.
- Go to the VCAA website for more information about this subject
Things to have a look at
Landline – Landline is a national current affairs program that covers regional/ rural issues and events.
It shows weekly on ABCTV, Sundays at 12.30.
Or you can visit the website to view recent programs.
National Farmers Federation – Visit the National Farmers Federation to view the latest media and goals of the Australian agricultural industry.
Career Harvest – Career Harvest is a one-stop shop for prospective students to discover rewarding careers in Australian food and fibre industries