Subjects

Who is it for?

This subject is for people who:

• Enjoy the outdoors
• 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 end world hunger
• want to take action on climate change
• Are interested in animal welfare
• Are interested in business management
• Want to encourage sustainability (economic, environmental and social)

What do you do?

Throughout Units 3 and 4 you will conduct a wide range of activities, including:

• Overnight camp investigating innovation and Smart Farms
• Virtual excursions
• Experiments into soils, water quality and land degradation
• Conduct field work and sample collection
• Conduct local research
• Conduct a small scale food or fibre production business

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 animals
• Monitoring and recording data collected in field or from practical tasks
• Study and research skills
• Communication skills
• Sharing opinions, thoughts and ideas on topics covered

What skills do you develop?

• Workplace health and safety
• Management of plant and animal production
• Conducting field work
• Completing field experiments
• Gathering data from practical tasks
• Monitoring of plant and animal growth
• Research skills
• Case study analysis
• Communication skills

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 run a small business which involves growing plants or raising animals to sell.  This business will be dependent on your home circumstances, available space and materials.  You will plan the business with your teacher and then will be required to purchase the necessary materials and run the business independently.

Things to think about

Agricultural and Horticultural Studies is a hands-on subject.

You will be required to attend a camp in which you may, handle plants or animals, 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