Contact
Head of Department: Scott Graham
Email: sgraham@barker.nsw.edu.au
Year 9
Agricultural Technology
Agricultural Technology is a science-based course which offers students the opportunity to explore the production of the food we eat and the fibre we wear. Various units on different plants / animals are studied throughout Years 9-12, which utilise both the practical plots we have at school (Garden beds near Chapel, Animal Plots in Clarke Rd) as well as students participating in an excursion each year for relevant on-farm experiences.
The purpose of the subject is to provide ‘Paddock to Plate’ experiences for students so they can be informed and involved in consuming and maybe shaping agricultural products in the present and future.
The Year 9 course has a 50% practical component.
The units we study in Year 9 are:
• Vegetable Production
• Broiler (Meat) Chicken Production
• Orchard (Fruit) Production
• Hydroponics (Growing plants in water)
• Ethical Eating (is it right to eat caged eggs? Is live export ok? etc)
• Chilli Production
View our Videos
Agriculture From the Classroom
Beyond Barker Agriculture
Assessment Structure
Term 1: Vegetable Production In-class Practical Assessment
Term 2: Broiler Production Hand-in scientific report
Term 3: Orchard Production In-class test based on excursion
Term 4: Yearly Exam
Year 10
Agricultural Technology
Agricultural Technology is a science-based course which offers students the opportunity to explore the production of the food we eat and the fibre we wear.
Various units on different plants / animals are studied throughout Years 10-12, which utilise both the practical plots we have at school (Animals at Clarke Rd, Raised gardens near Chapel) as well as students participating in an excursion each year for relevant on-farm experiences.
The course is intended to provide a variety of ‘Paddock to Plate’ experiences and inspire students to be informed consumers or active influencers in improving Agricultural production in Australia and globally.
The Year 10 course has a 50% practical component.
The units we study in Year 10 are:
• Viticulture (Grape growing + wine making)
• Prime Lamb (Meat) Production
• Beef Cattle Production
• Alternative Enterprises (Choice of: Equine (Horses), Pigs, Coffee, Pastures, Chocolate etc)
Assessment Structure
Term 1: Viticulture in-class test
Term 2: Sheep Production Practical + Theory test
Term 3: Beef Cattle hand-in assessment and speech
Term 4: Yearly examination
Year 11
Agricultural Technology is a science-based course which offers students the opportunity to explore the production of the food we eat and the fibre we wear. The Agriculture Stage 6 syllabus provides students with opportunities to understand and appreciate the essential aspects of Agriculture.
Agriculture Stage 6 has been designed to allow students to develop a deep knowledge and understanding of the interaction between the component parts of agriculture. It caters for a diverse range of students and ability levels. It has the facility to challenge students academically as well as providing them with a wide range of practical skills and an awareness of technologies associated with agriculture.
The course is designed to increase student understanding and capabilities in a continuum from the farm level through to international markets in which commodities are traded. Because it includes the study of a farm and an agricultural product of particular interest to the student, the relevance of the course is greatly enhanced. Two 3-day excursions to Bathurst will occur, one in the Preliminary course and one in the HSC course to allow students to observe and experience the relevant agricultural operations.
The Year 11/12 course has a 30% practical component.
The units we study in Year 11/12 are:
• Overview of Australian Agriculture
• Farm Case Study – based on Millah Murrah Angus stud in Bathurst
• Farm Product Study – Beef
• Sustainability
• Farming for the 21st Century – Technology in Agriculture
• Plant Production
• Animal Production