Agriculture
Agricultural studies is a broad field that covers the production, management and research of agricultural goods. It crosses disciplines of science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Environmental and Earth Science) and makes provision for students who have an interest in science but may not wish to specialise. It is relevant to every consumer.
Agriculture A/T/M engages students in investigating the complex relationships between consumer and market demands and the systems which underpin agricultural production. Students develop the scientific and technological skills to engage with the study of contemporary agriculture. They develop knowledge and understanding about complex biological, chemical, and physical systems and their interactions that underpin agriculture. Students develop the scientific skills to investigate key systems in particular and localised case studies. They develop the technological skills to acquire and process data that inform understanding and solve problems in meeting market demands. They understand the challenges of producing and disseminating reliable scientific knowledge in a heavily contested space. They appreciate and address the challenges of applying contemporary research findings and recommendations in a context characterised by tradition, economic pressures, and policy conflict. This course prepares students for further work and study in a growing economic sector in which well-paid and meaningful employment is available. It also develops general scientific capacity for further work and study in other areas of science and social science.
The Agriculture course is written under the BSSS SCIENCE Framework.
Achievement Standards for SCIENCE courses can be found within the Framework.
The study of Science is the unveiling of the mysteries of the universe in order to make sense of nature in all its wonder and complexity. Through knowledge, observation, questioning, experimentation, discussion, critical analysis and creative thinking in a scientific context, students develop their investigative, analytical and communication skills while cultivating an appreciation of the natural world.
Sustainable Agriculture
Students investigate the interconnected systems that underpin agriculture locally, nationally, and globally. They inquire into how agricultural production depends on and affects the ecosystems in which it operates. Students apply rigorous data collection, data analysis and experimental methods to quantify and understand systems. Students critically analyse how technological solutions can be used effectively to improve production and sustainability. They examine how agricultural practices can be varied to achieve reductions in carbon emissions and environmental pollution and increases in biodiversity while sustaining food and fibre production.
Farming in Context
Students examine agriculture in the students’ region. They investigate the nature of the local ecologies, climate and geology that determine outcomes for primary producers. They evaluate agricultural processes to reflect on their efficacy and sustainability. Students investigate the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in their region due to climate change, environmental challenges, and government policy changes.
Meeting Market Demand
Students analyse agriculture from the perspective of plate to paddock. They examine the demands of consumer markets and regulatory regimes and work backward to investigate how agricultural enterprises can meet those requirements. In working backward, they apply rigorous scientific processes to understand the intersecting systems and parameters of problems, evaluate possible solutions and determine the best choices.
Contemporary Agriculture
Students investigate the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary farmers globally. They inquire into a range of technological, biological, and engineering solutions to challenges in the local context. They critically analyse proposed solutions to challenges and problems in agriculture, including global hunger and rural poverty worldwide. Students develop the scientific and technological skills to quantify and understand problems and propose solutions in agriculture.
Independent Study
An Independent Study unit has an important place in senior secondary courses. It is a valuable pedagogical approach that empowers students to make decisions about their own learning. An Independent Study unit can be proposed by an individual student for their own independent study and negotiated with their teacher. The program of learning for an Independent Study unit must meet the unit goals and content descriptions as they appear in the course.
Independent Study units are only available to individual students in Year 12. A student can only study a maximum of one Independent Study unit in each course. Students must have studied at least three standard 1.0 units from this course. An Independent Study unit requires the principal’s written approval. Principal approval can also be sought by a student in Year 12 to enrol concurrently in an Independent Study unit and their third 1.0 unit in this course of study.
Course from 2023
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