Agriculture at MLMC provides a range of options for students. Students can also learn about animals and plants in a friendly environment in our Young Farmers Club. Senior students can pursue a technical career via VET Certificate II studies in Years 10-12. VCE students also have the option of studying food and fibre production via VCE pathways. In each case the studies are never boring. This past month has been a perfect example.
VET students have been learning the practical skills of sheep handling, crutching, disease monitoring and treatment with the help of our veterinarian, Old Collegian Ms Eloise Deen (Class of 2007). These students have also been operating pumps, trouble shooting water delivery systems and designing and assembling delivery systems.
VCE students have been completing the theory of farm production systems and studying new technologies, with visits from industry experts to discuss the control of pests and diseases. Additionally they have had the opportunity to get their hands dirty with summer pruning in the orchard and harvesting and processing the grapes for our annual (and award winning) wine production.
Students in the Young Farmers Club have recently competed in the Bunyip sheep show, with the College’s Romney flock winning champion Romney ewe and being awarded reserve champion ewe of the show. Seeing the development and skills of the students grow over the year is very rewarding for the Agriculture team and a highlight of the school year for many of the participants.
Regardless of students’ choices and pathways, the McAuley Park Farm at MLMC has something for everyone.
