Lincoln High School's first ever agribusiness class was on campus last week as part of a collaboration with the University to teach the new subject.
The school has just introduced the subject, and teacher Lucy Erasito brought the group on campus to sit in on a Management 106 lecture about Global Food Systems by Dr Sharon Lucock.
They were shown around by Student Liaison Officer Katie Barlow (pictured in the photo).
Agribusiness as a subject, was only introduced to schools in 2018. Hamilton independent school St Paul’s Collegiate worked closely with NZQA, the Ministry of Education and representatives from the private sector to design a set of new NCEA achievement standards.
The standards were trialled initially by 10 lead schools across the country.
Lincoln High School course outline describes how New Zealand’s agricultural industry forms the backbone of our economy, contributing 48% to our export earnings.
“With the size and complexity of today’s farms, the sophisticated farming methods employed and advanced agricultural technology, employers are seeking those with specialist skills.”
The subject Agribusiness is defined by the school as a course of study that integrates primary industries and business beyond the farm gate and encompassed by a group of sectors; agriculture, aquaculture, dairy manufacturing, equine, forestry, horticulture, seafood and sports turf.
Teaching activities includes keynote speakers, field trips, case studies, and, of course, collaboration with Lincoln University.