Agriculture Students Expanding Horizons
March has been an exciting month at McAuley Park Farm. Our Young Farmers have been crutching sheep and trimming feet in preparation of our first show. New members have been busy learning the basics of farm operations and many have now received their badges. We are looking forward to the many adventures planned for the year ahead.
Year 12 students have commenced their businesses, ranging from producing wool and breeding sheep to growing plants in the school nursery. The farm is a very busy place with many students choosing to undertake Agriculture as part of their VCE. A dynamic and rich field of study, Agriculture can lead to many diverse careers with strong employment prospects for graduates. Did you know that 50% of agriculture graduates find work in major cities?
Year 11 students recently undertook an excursion to the Dairy Research Institute at Ellinbank, where they examined how research was carried out by Agricultural Scientists. They also visited Radford’s Abbatoirs to learn about quality standards in meat and how growers can attain this. A busy month of learning continues as they now examine climate and soils.
Year 10 students are preparing for the upcoming harvest of the school grapes to make wine. During their studies they undertake all aspects of making a wine from the growing of the grapes right through to bottling. Combining their work in class with the practical tasks carried out by growers, the students will soon visit Yering Station and see the similarity of their learning experience to industry practice.
Year 9 students, with the help of Year 10 students, have just completed the harvest of the College apple orchard, donating the apples to Discovery Care, a local charity providing food for local people in need. This was an excellent opportunity for the students to put into practice their learning about how they can support their local community.
A vibrant and exciting place, the school farm is well used and loved by students of all ages.
