Agricultural Science Programmes

At Mount Albert Grammar the agriculture programme is structured especially to meet the modern needs of the agriculture industry and market. The agriculture course develops fundamental agricultural skills and principles, in a practical context. Experience on the Mount Albert Grammar School Farm is an essential aspect of the programme. 

 The specialised course of study gives all students an insight into the work of the farming sector and develops basic agricultural skills and principles in a practical context.

Aspects of soil science, animal husbandry, agronomy, fencing, vehicle skills, farm management, marketing, feed management, animal handling, animal welfare, livestock health, integrated pest management are incorporated into the programme to provide a well rounded curriculum.

Qualification

The agricultural programme offered at Mount Albert Grammar School enables students to gain the National Certificate in Agriculture (Level 2) - Introductory Farming Skills. This is a National Qualifications Framework (NFQ) qualification, which is regulated by the Agricultural Industry Training Organisation*, (Agriculture ITO).


The Certificate in Agriculture provides a general background to agriculture, with core subjects in animal production, plant production, engineering, soil science integrated with the principles of management and farming systems. Students also have the opportunity to develop applied computing skills and problem solving.

The qualification is made up of small packages called unit standards. The unit standards include a mixture of knowledge and practical skills and each has a level and a credit value. Unit standards at higher levels describe advanced skills and understanding. The National Certificate in Agriculture, (Level 2), requires students to achieve 70 credits of which at least 40 must be at level 2 or above. The unit standards are divided into several sections or domains. Within some domains there are a minimum number of credits a student must achieve to qualify.

Each unit standard is made up of elements with performance criteria. The Agricultural ITO has divided the elements into those that are practical and can be assessed on the farm, and those that are theoretical and can be assessed in the classroom.

Each student will have their own personal Record Card, allowing them to monitor their progress as they achieve each unit standard and work their way towards achieving the qualification.

Mount Albert Grammar School Agriculture Department is strongly supported by, and has strong links and affiliations with the primary industry and the Agriculture ITO.

Practical Assessment
Practical Work is an industry initiative detailed in conjunction with Mount Albert Grammar School Agriculture Department for the National Certificate in Agriculture. It is viewed as an integral aspect of each student's course of study and provides for experiences in a broad range of careers and farming practices. Practical Work is closely linked to the theory in the academic study programme. Along with the academic requirements, practical work is a legal requirement of the National Certificate in Agriculture.

Practical Work can be undertaken on the Mount Albert Grammar School Farm. In additionally students are billeted on commercial farms with farming families where they are involved in the day-to-day decision-making and practices on the property. All farmers involved in the practical training of students are experienced and able to help students with concepts associated with the assignments for Practical Work.
Students are offered a variety of farms to be billeted on. These include dairy, sheep, sheep and beef, crop, deer and agriforestry. Farms are available in all regions of New Zealand affording students a wide diversity of experiences.

The Practical Work experience provides opportunities, which will enable students to:

• Understand the day to day operations involved in the business/on the property etc.
  
  
• Apply in practice the values, knowledge and concepts acquired through the academic programme.
  
  
• Broaden concepts and expand knowledge of practical work opportunities.
  
  
• Gain an appreciation of some of the social and physical environments in which the business/property etc. operates.
  
  
• Acquire skills and competencies in collecting and analysing information, written and oral communication, interpersonal and personal skills.
  
  
• Develop management skills in the areas of report writing, written presentations and research.
  
  
• Gain experiences and knowledge, which will assist in clarifying career interests.