FACULTIES

These pages display information from the various faculties within the school.

Click on the link for the faculty required.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture provides people with their food, fibre, shelter, and the possibility of diverse lifestyles. Agriculture is a composite of rural and urban industries that are structured to produce both raw and value-added materials from plants and animals, to meet identified consumer needs.

These industries make a significant contribution to Australia's economy through investment, employment of skilled workers, consumption of products from other sectors of the economy and export. Agricultural products contribute significantly to Australia's export income. The total chain from the farm and the research laboratory to the processing plant, retail outlet and exporter accounts for a major portion of the nation's Gross Domestic Product. Australia's agricultural industries must undergo significant and continuous change to maintain and possibly enhance this contribution to the Australian economy.

Agriculture's dynamic nature results from the increase in knowledge and the application of technology to the production, processing and marketing of products in complex national and international marketplaces. This complexity has political, social, ethical, economic and environmental implications for Australia. Furthermore, the majority of consumers are isolated from the production and processing of food and fibre. People need an understanding of the relationships between production, processing and consumption to enable them to participate in debate on the impact of each upon society and the environment.

Agriculture enhances the development of students' learning through experiences in the management of plant and animal enterprises and the marketing of a range of products. It is designed to increase student understanding and abilities in the use of technologies associated with agricultural enterprises. Skills to be developed include the ability to research, design, collect and organise information, work in a team, plan and organise activities, manage small enterprises, market products, solve problems, innovate, carry out scientific experimentation and communicate to a variety of audiences. Students should be able to make ethical decisions and responsible judgements on the use of agricultural technologies and the basic resources of soil, air and water, to ensure a sustainable future.

Participation in Agriculture courses appeals to students through their attraction to care for plants and animals, which fosters responsibility in relationships and personal satisfaction from achieving tangible outcomes and practical skills. These achievements develop self‑esteem, which can be the basis for success in other areas of curriculum and their lives.

Pennant Hills High School has a proud tradition in providing Agriculture courses. We regularly show our animal stock at local Agricultural Shows and produce a range of plants for sale. We have an active bee hive that students monitor to produce quality honey. Our successes in Agriculture were highlighted in 2002 when Angela Dennett of Year 12 was placed first in the state in the Higher School Certificate examination – an outstanding effort.