Agricultural Technology Years Syllabus

Transcription

1 Agricultural Technology Years 7 10 Syllabus June 2003

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3 Contents 1 Introduction The K 10 Curriculum Students with Special Education Needs Rationale The Place of the Agricultural Technology Years 7 10 Syllabus in the Technology K 12 Curriculum Aim Objectives Outcomes Content Organisation of Content Content for Years Life Skills Outcomes and Content Outcomes Content Continuum of Learning in Agricultural Technology K Stage Statements Assessment Standards Assessment for Learning Reporting Choosing Assessment Strategies...49

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5 1 Introduction 1.1 The K 10 Curriculum This syllabus has been developed within the parameters set by the Board of Studies NSW in its K 10 Curriculum Framework. This framework ensures that K 10 syllabuses and curriculum requirements are designed to provide educational opportunities that: engage and challenge all students to maximise their individual talents and capabilities for lifelong learning enable all students to develop positive self-concepts and their capacity to establish and maintain safe, healthy and rewarding lives prepare all students for effective and responsible participation in their society, taking account of moral, ethical and spiritual considerations encourage and enable all students to enjoy learning, and to be self-motivated, reflective, competent learners who will be able to take part in further study, work or training promote a fair and just society that values diversity promote continuity and coherence of learning, and facilitate the transition between primary and secondary schooling. The framework also provides a set of broad learning outcomes that summarise the knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes essential for all students to succeed in and beyond their schooling. These broad learning outcomes indicate that students will: understand, develop and communicate ideas and information access, analyse, evaluate and use information from a variety of sources work collaboratively with others to achieve individual and collective goals possess the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle understand and appreciate the physical, biological and technological world and make responsible and informed decisions in relation to their world understand and appreciate social, cultural, geographical and historical contexts, and participate as active and informed citizens express themselves through creative activity and engage with the artistic, cultural and intellectual work of others understand and apply a variety of analytical and creative techniques to solve problems understand, interpret and apply concepts related to numerical and spatial patterns, structures and relationships be productive, creative and confident in the use of technology and understand the impact of technology on society understand the work environment and be equipped with the knowledge, understanding and skills to evaluate potential career options and pathways develop a system of personal values based on their understanding of moral, ethical and spiritual matters. The ways in which learning in the Agricultural Technology Years 7 10 Syllabus contributes to the curriculum and to the student s achievement of the broad learning outcomes are outlined in the syllabus rationale. In accordance with the K 10 Curriculum Framework, the Agricultural Technology Years 7 10 Syllabus takes into account the diverse needs of all students. It identifies essential knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes. It enunciates clear standards of what students are expected to know and be able to do in Years It provides structures and processes by which teachers can provide continuity of study for all students, particularly to ensure successful transition through Years 5 to 8 and from Year 10 to Year 11. 5

6 The syllabus also assists students to maximise their achievement in Agricultural Technology through the acquisition of additional knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes. It contains advice to assist teachers to program learning for those students who have gone beyond achieving the outcomes through their study of the essential content. 1.2 Students with Special Education Needs In the K 6 curriculum, students with special education needs are provided for in the following ways: through the inclusion of outcomes and content in syllabuses which provide for the full range of students through the development of additional advice and programming support for teachers to assist students to access the outcomes of the syllabus through the development of specific support documents for students with special education needs through teachers and parents planning together to ensure that syllabus outcomes and content reflect the learning needs and priorities of students. Students with special education needs build on their achievements in K 6 as they progress through their secondary study and undertake courses to meet the requirements for the School Certificate. It is necessary to continue focusing on the needs, interests and abilities of each student when planning a program for secondary schooling. The program will comprise the most appropriate combination of courses, outcomes and content available. Life Skills For most students with special education needs, the outcomes and content in sections 6 and 7 of this syllabus will be appropriate but for a small percentage of these students, particularly those with an intellectual disability, it may be determined that these outcomes and content are not appropriate. For these students the Life Skills outcomes and content in section 8 and the Life Skills assessment advice below can provide the basis for developing a relevant and meaningful program. Access to Life Skills outcomes and content in Years 7 10 A decision to allow a student to access the Agricultural Technology Years 7 10 Life Skills outcomes and content should include parents/carers and be based on careful consideration of the student s competencies and learning needs. The decision should establish that the outcomes and content in sections 6 and 7 of the Agricultural Technology Years 7 10 Syllabus are not appropriate to meet the needs of the student. Consideration should be given to whether modifications to programs and to teaching, including adjustments to learning activities and assessment, would enable the student to access the syllabus outcomes and content. As part of the decision to allow a student to access the Agricultural Technology Years 7 10 Life Skills outcomes and content, it is important to identify relevant settings, strategies and resource requirements that will assist the student in the learning process. Clear time frames and strategies for monitoring progress, relevant to the age of the student, need to be identified and collaborative plans should be made for future needs. 6

7 It is not necessary to seek permission of the Office of the Board of Studies for students to undertake the Agricultural Technology Years 7 10 Life Skills outcomes and content, nor is it necessary to submit planning documentation. Life Skills assessment Each student undertaking the Agricultural Technology Years 7 10 Life Skills course will have specified outcomes and content to be studied. The syllabus content listed for each outcome forms the basis of learning opportunities for students. Assessment should provide opportunities for students to demonstrate achievement in relation to the outcomes and to generalise their knowledge, understanding and skills across a range of situations or environments including the school and the wider community. Students may demonstrate achievement in relation to Agricultural Technology Years 7 10 Life Skills outcomes independently or with support. The type of support will vary according to the particular needs of the student and the requirements of the activity. Examples of support may include: the provision of extra time physical and/or verbal assistance from others the provision of technological aids. 7

8 2 Rationale Through the study of Agricultural Technology in Years 7 10 students develop knowledge, understanding and skills which enable them to contribute positively to their own lifestyle and to the social, economic and environmental future of Australia. This syllabus provides scope for students to explore the many and varied career opportunities in agriculture and its related service industries. It also provides students with an opportunity to experience aspects of an agricultural lifestyle through direct contact with plants and animals and a variety of outside activities. Agriculture and its associated industries contribute significantly to Australia s economic, social and cultural development and influence Australia s prosperity through investment, employment of skilled workers, consumption of products from other sectors of the economy, and export of raw products and processed goods. The continued viability of Australian agriculture can be strengthened through the careful management of long-term issues relating to the sustainability of agricultural systems including environmental impact and evolving economic and social factors. The dynamic nature of modern agriculture results from the increasing knowledge and application of current and emerging technologies to the production, processing and marketing of products. An understanding of the relationships between production, processing and consumption enables informed debate about the impact of agricultural practices on society and the environment. The study of Agricultural Technology develops knowledge and understanding about a range of agricultural practices. It develops the ability to respond to human needs and emerging opportunities. It develops knowledge, understanding and skills in the management of plant and animal enterprises, the technology associated with these enterprises and the marketing of products. The syllabus develops students ability to solve problems, plan, organise and conduct scientific investigations, research, collect and organise information, work as a member of a team and communicate information to a variety of audiences. Students investigate and discuss the impact of agricultural practices on the basic resources of soil, air and water. The syllabus provides opportunity for students to make responsible decisions about the appropriate use of agricultural technologies. 8

9 3 The Place of the Agricultural Technology Years 7 10 Syllabus in the Technology K 12 Curriculum 9

10 4 Aim The aim of the Agricultural Technology Years 7 10 Syllabus is to develop students knowledge and understanding of agricultural enterprises and the practices and skills required in producing plant and animal products. Students will develop skills in the effective management of sustainable production and marketing practices that are environmentally and socially responsible. 10

11 5 Objectives Knowledge, understanding and skills Students will develop: 1 knowledge and understanding of agriculture as a dynamic and interactive system that uses plants and animals to produce food, fibre and other derivatives 2 knowledge and understanding of the local and global interaction of agriculture with Australia s economy, culture and society 3 knowledge of and skills in the effective and responsible production and marketing of agricultural products 4 an understanding of sustainable and ethical practices that support productive and profitable agriculture 5 skills in problem-solving including investigating, collecting, analysing, interpreting and communicating information in agricultural contexts 6 knowledge and skills in implementing cooperative and safe work practices in agricultural contexts. 11

12 6 Outcomes Objectives Students will develop: 1 knowledge and understanding of agriculture as a dynamic and interactive system that uses plants and animals to produce food, fibre and other derivatives 2 knowledge and understanding of the local and global interaction of agriculture with Australia s economy, culture and society 3 knowledge of and skills in the effective and responsible production and marketing of agricultural products Stage 4 Outcomes A student: describes a range of plant species and animal breeds used in agricultural enterprises outlines the interactions within and between agricultural enterprises and systems identifies and explains interactions between the agricultural sector and Australia s economy, culture and society implements responsible production of plant and animal products identifies how agricultural products are used in industry and by consumers Stage 5 Outcomes A student: explains why identified plant species and animal breeds have been used in agricultural enterprises and developed for the Australian environment and/or markets explains the interactions within and between agricultural enterprises and systems explains the interactions within and between the agricultural sector and Australia s economy, culture and society investigates and implements responsible production systems for plant and animal enterprises investigates and applies responsible marketing principles and processes identifies and uses skills to manage the interactions within plant production enterprises identifies and uses skills to manage the interactions within animal production enterprises explains and evaluates the impact of management decisions on plant production enterprises explains and evaluates the impact of management decisions on animal production enterprises 12

13 Objectives Stage 4 Outcomes Stage 5 Outcomes Students will develop: 4 an understanding of sustainable and ethical practices that support productive and profitable agriculture 5 skills in problemsolving including investigating, collecting, analysing, interpreting and communicating information in agricultural contexts A student: examines the impact of past and current agricultural practices on agricultural sustainability identifies aspects of profitability, technology, sustainability and ethics that impact on management decisions implements and appreciates the application of animal welfare guidelines to agricultural practices performs controlled experiments in agricultural contexts communicates experimental data using a range of information and communication technologies A student: evaluates the impact of past and current agricultural practices on agricultural sustainability evaluates management practices in terms of profitability, technology, sustainability, social issues and ethics implements and justifies the application of animal welfare guidelines to agricultural practices designs, undertakes, analyses and evaluates experiments and investigates problems in agricultural contexts collects and analyses agricultural data and communicates results using a range of technologies 6 knowledge and skills in implementing cooperative and safe work practices in agricultural contexts follows safety and hygiene instructions when using chemicals, tools and agricultural machinery in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety requirements performs plant and animal management practices safely and in cooperation with others applies Occupational Health and Safety requirements when using, maintaining and storing chemicals, tools and agricultural machinery performs plant and animal management practices safely and in cooperation with others Stage 4 outcomes have been provided to assist the assessment and reporting of student achievement in those schools that choose to begin elective study before Year 9. Teachers are advised to select from the syllabus content to target the specific needs of students who commence study in Stage 4. Life Skills For some students with special education needs, particularly those students with an intellectual disability, it may be determined that the above outcomes are not appropriate. For these students, Life Skills outcomes and content can provide the basis for the development of a relevant and meaningful program see section 8. 13

14 7 Content 7.1 Organisation of Content Agricultural Technology Years 7 10 may be studied as a 100-hour course or as a 200-hour course in Stage 5. To satisfy the mandatory requirements of a 100-hour course students must complete the essential content specified in Core A within the context of a minimum of two agricultural enterprises. To satisfy the mandatory requirements of a 200-hour course students must complete the essential content specified in Core A and Core B within the context of a minimum of four agricultural enterprises. Essential content The essential content integrates the study of interactions, management and sustainability within the context of agricultural enterprises. Students will also undertake a range of related practical activities. Interactions the relationship between biological, physical and social components in agriculture. Fundamental to balance the economic viability while sustaining the biological and physical basis of the farming systems employed. Management informed decision-making and effective management of agricultural enterprises. Physical, biological, economic, environmental and social factors must be considered in the management of agricultural enterprises. Sustainability practices that conserve soil and water quality and protect the environment, assure adequate and safe food supplies to consumers, while generating profitable returns for producers. Agricultural enterprises are characterised by the production and sale or exchange of agricultural goods or services. Agricultural enterprises may focus on plants or animals or integrated plant/animal systems. Teachers should select agricultural enterprises that include those that are important to students local environment or region and some that extend students knowledge about the broad context of Australian agriculture. Both intensive and extensive enterprises are to be incorporated into the course of study for students to gain an understanding of the diverse nature of Australian agriculture. The nature of school resources, student interest, teacher expertise and the local community will determine the proportion of intensive and extensive enterprises examined and the balance between plant and animal enterprises undertaken in the course. While many of the essential content statements will be applicable to a wide range of agricultural enterprises, some will explicitly relate to plant or animal applications. These factors will also affect the depth of study, the number of enterprises studied and the time allocated to each enterprise. Practical experiences should occupy a minimum of 50 percent of allocated course time. To satisfy the requirements of the syllabus students must undertake a range of practical activities. It is expected that students engage in experiences relevant to all aspects of the enterprises studied. These experiences may include fieldwork, small plot activities, laboratory work, plant and animal husbandry activities, and visits to commercial farms and other parts of the production and marketing chain. Practical experiences should be used to develop the skills of designing, investigating, using technology and communicating. 14

15 Additional content The provision of examples of additional content recognises that while some students will need all of the available time focusing on the essential content of the syllabus to achieve the course outcomes, others would benefit from extending their learning through engaging with additional material. The additional content presented on pages of the syllabus provides suggestions only and should not be considered an exclusive or exhaustive list. Additional content enables students to broaden and deepen their understanding and skills and to extend their interest in particular aspects of agriculture and should be developed around the particular needs or interests of students, resources and facilities that are available to the school. This content may build on prior learning or provide for future learning. Additional content addresses the course outcomes and the knowledge, understanding and skills specific to an individual enterprise, relating to interactions, management and sustainability in agriculture, and extends the essential content of the syllabus. Life Skills Life Skills outcomes and content are in section 8. Cross-curriculum content Cross-curriculum content assists students to achieve the broad learning outcomes defined in the Board of Studies K 10 Curriculum Framework. It is incorporated in the content of the Agricultural Technology Years 7 10 Syllabus in the following ways: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) ICT content is addressed through students: preparing and presenting information in appropriate forms to justify a particular point of view utilising computer technologies to format information in spreadsheets, databases, flow charts, tables, graphs and diagrams researching using the Internet and other forms of digital media performing first-hand investigations and collecting and assessing information from secondary sources using a variety of technologies including the Internet. Work, Employment and Enterprise Work, employment and enterprise is embedded in the content and provides opportunities for students to: develop agricultural skills associated with the establishment and maintenance of safe and healthy work environments explore opportunities for the innovative and creative application of technologies in agriculture-based vocations develop educational skills that build opportunities for education and training for employment in the future and the contributions of different groups to work in the rural workplace examine the nature and practice of work in agricultural fields build an appreciation of the opportunities that exist in agricultural careers. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content is addressed through students: contrasting agricultural systems of today with Aboriginal land management practices discussing the effects of Europeans and Aboriginal peoples on agricultural production and sustainability. 15

16 Civics and Citizenship Civics and citizenship content is addressed through students: examining the implications of current agricultural issues, research and development on society and the environment and, through discussion of current issues, developing values and attitudes towards the ethical behaviour and the evaluation of the consequences of agriculture to society assessing animal welfare issues involved in extensive/intensive systems. Environment Students examine and consider: the potential impact of change on the natural environment problems about, and the solutions to, issues associated with the interaction between agriculture and the environment impacts on the biosphere of waste from agricultural enterprises the relationship between agriculture, society and the environment in terms of present environmental and social issues the processes of planning and strategies that assist in achieving sustainability and that can be used to monitor and conserve the natural and farm environments in Australia. Key Competencies Key competencies are clearly embedded within the content. The content develops a student s ability to: collect, analyse and organise information from first-hand investigations and secondary sources, organising data using a variety of methods including diagrams, tables and spreadsheets, to draw valid conclusions communicate ideas using a range of text types including explanation, procedure and reports to present data and information from first-hand investigations plan and organise investigations to undertake a simple controlled experiment to test a hypothesis or question that can be researched work individually and in teams in a collaborative setting and working to realistic timelines and goals use technology to assess information. Literacy Students are required to use increased subject-specific vocabulary, and through the use of language skills to describe, label, interpret and evaluate information from a variety of sources. Students are also required to communicate knowledge and understanding using appropriate contexts and mediums. Multicultural Multicultural content is addressed through students: identifying some impacts of other cultures on Australian agricultural production investigating changing consumer preferences due to influences from our multicultural society. Across the Years 7 10 curriculum there are other areas of cross-curriculum content that all students will experience through the mandatory curriculum. The additional areas of crosscurriculum content are Difference and Diversity, Gender and Numeracy. 16

17 7.2 Content for Years 7 10 Agricultural Technology Years 7 10 Syllabus A note to teachers about practical experiences To satisfy the requirements of the syllabus students must undertake a range of practical experiences that occupy a minimum of 50 percent of course time. Practical experiences will be used to develop knowledge and understanding of and skills in designing, producing and evaluating. Student capability, confidence and expertise at their current stage of development are important considerations in determining the teaching and learning sequences in the course. In developing and delivering teaching programs teachers should be aware of and adopt relevant guidelines and directives of their education authorities and/or schools. Teaching programs should recognise and reflect relevant State and Commonwealth legislation, regulations and standards including Occupational Health and Safety standards, Chemical Safety in Schools and Animal Welfare guidelines. Teachers need to be aware of activities that may require notification, certification, permission, permits and licences. Essential content Core A To satisfy the mandatory requirements of a 100-hour course students must complete the essential content specified in Core A within the context of a minimum of two agricultural enterprises. Outcomes A student: explains why identified plant species and animal breeds have been used in agricultural enterprises and developed for the Australian environment and/or markets animal breeds/plant species specific to chosen agricultural enterprises climatic factors affecting plant and animal production including: humidity solar radiation wind patterns temperature rainfall the impacts of a range of cultures including Aboriginal cultures on Australian agricultural production Students learn to: identify the characteristics of animal breeds and plant varieties specific to chosen enterprises measure and assess climatic factors affecting plant and animal production tabulate and graph climatic conditions in the local region relative to a chosen enterprise identify some impacts of a range of cultures including Aboriginal cultures on Australian agricultural production 17

18 Core A (cont) Outcomes A student: explains the interactions within and between agricultural enterprises and systems the interactions between plants, animals, soils, climate and microorganisms Students learn to: identify and discuss interactions within and between agricultural enterprises on the school farm use drawings, diagrams and flow charts to show relationships between plants, animals, soils, climate and micro-organisms for specific enterprises studied explains the interactions within and between the agricultural sector and Australia s economy, culture and society the role of agriculture within the Australian economy relevant export and domestic markets the range of training and employment opportunities in agriculture the impact of global factors on Australian agriculture investigate the significance of agricultural industries and products produced in the local region and their intended markets investigate the effect of agricultural enterprises on employment patterns investigates and implements responsible production systems for plant and animal enterprises the basic requirements of agricultural plants and animals intensive and extensive production systems for a plant or an animal product grow and monitor plants and animals apply production systems to a plant or animal product investigates and applies responsible marketing principles and processes market specifications and the market standards required in marketing a chosen agricultural product different markets available for a chosen agricultural product the role of transport, handling and packaging in marketing a chosen agricultural product assess product specifications investigate different types of markets available to enterprise production select transport, handling and packaging methods for marketing a chosen agricultural product 18

19 Core A (cont) Outcomes A student: explains and evaluates the impact of management decisions on plant production enterprises plant structure and function the management and control of significant pests and diseases the role of soil and water in determining plant management strategies seasonal variation in crop/pasture production Students learn to: perform management operations for a plant enterprise identify plants relevant to agricultural production identify plant structure and relate this to production identify common plant pests and diseases implement and evaluate strategies for the management and control of plant pests and diseases for a chosen agricultural enterprise examine soil texture, structure, ph and profiles demonstrate and apply harvest techniques to plant production explains and evaluates the impact of management decisions on animal production enterprises breed selection digestive systems and reproductive systems of monogastric and ruminant animals the management and control of significant pests and diseases climatic management in the production cycle the use of technology in the production cycle the calendar of operations in a production cycle the interaction between plant and animal production systems the benefits of a calendar of operations indicating management practices and when they will occur throughout the year management techniques used to modify climate for their specific enterprise breeding technologies including: artificial insemination embryo transfer identify breeds relevant to a specific enterprise identify and outline the functions of animal digestive and reproductive systems identify common animal pests and diseases implement and evaluate control programs using strategies for pests and diseases monitor production levels throughout a production cycle perform simple animal husbandry operations 19

20 Core A (cont) Outcomes A student: evaluates the impact of past and current agricultural practices on agricultural sustainability the impact of European and Aboriginal practices on the development of Australian agriculture relationships between resource usage and sustainability of agricultural practices the impact of agricultural practices on sustainability Students learn to: compare agricultural systems of today with Aboriginal land management practices discuss the effect of European and Aboriginal agricultural practices on agricultural production and sustainability compare a range of sustainable and unsustainable agricultural practices evaluates management practices in terms of profitability, technology, sustainability, social issues and ethics the impact of community demands and attitudes on sustainable agriculture social issues and ethics involved with the production of chosen agricultural enterprises profitability as a measure of management success new technology and its influence on management strategies examine the impact of agriculture in the local region discuss a number of social and ethical issues that would be confronted in chosen agricultural enterprises assess the profitability of a local agricultural enterprise implements and justifies the application of animal welfare guidelines to agricultural practices animal welfare codes of practice applicable to a chosen agricultural enterprise apply correct livestock handling methods evaluate animal housing conditions in accordance with identified codes of practice designs, undertakes, analyses and evaluates experiments and investigates problems in agricultural contexts planning and conducting first-hand investigations in agricultural situations investigate an agricultural problem and develop possible solutions conduct a controlled experiment to investigate an enterprise-related problem gather data using a range of technologies interpret results from graphs and tables of agricultural data 20

21 Core A (cont) Outcomes A student: collects and analyses agricultural data and communicates results using a range of technologies technologies that assist in record-keeping and monitoring of enterprise performance Students learn to: prepare and present information to justify a particular point of view make accurate observations and record relevant data relating to specific enterprises utilise computer technologies in the analysis and presentation of agricultural data applies Occupational Health and Safety requirements when using, maintaining and storing chemicals, tools and agricultural machinery the safe handling and storage of agricultural chemicals the correct usage and maintenance of animal husbandry equipment the correct usage and maintenance of agricultural equipment the correct method of operating and maintaining agricultural machinery interpret chemical labels calibrate relevant equipment use agricultural equipment, machinery and techniques correctly and safely performs plant and animal management practices safely and in cooperation with others plant and animal management practices perform procedures in the management of plants and animals work cooperatively to perform management operations 21

22 Core B To satisfy the mandatory requirements of a 100-hour course students must complete the essential content specified in Core A within the context of a minimum of two agricultural enterprises. Outcomes A student: explains why identified plant species and animal breeds have been used in agricultural enterprises and developed for the Australian environment and/or markets animal breeds and/or plant varieties developed for specific climatic conditions and/or markets the impact of domestic and international markets on agricultural production Students learn to: identify different animal breeds/plant varieties specifically developed for a particular climate or market investigate the influences of Australia s developing multicultural society on changes in consumer preferences for an increasing variety of agricultural products research and present information on breeds developed for specific climates and/or markets explains the interactions within and between agricultural enterprises and systems the impact and control of micro-organisms on plant and/or animal products in a chosen agricultural enterprise investigate the effect of beneficial and harmful micro-organisms and invertebrates on plant and/or animal production explains the interactions within and between the agricultural sector and Australia s economy, culture and society the impact of changing demands and emerging farming practices on the community identify opportunities provided by the agricultural sector as an employer in the community and as a user of products collate and interpret information from secondary sources, including the Internet, on agricultural production and export trends in agricultural products investigates and implements responsible production systems for plant and animal enterprises resource use and the sustainability of intensive and extensive enterprises diversity in production systems compare alternative production systems for a plant and animal enterprise discuss advantages and disadvantages of different production systems 22

23 Core B (cont) Outcomes A student: investigates and applies responsible marketing principles and processes how market requirements are determined market appraisal marketing techniques and strategies related to an agricultural product Students learn to: conduct a market survey for an agricultural product assess the effectiveness of marketing strategies for a designated product use the Internet and other computer-based technologies in the design and analysis of product promotional material investigate the role of value adding in marketing agricultural products explains and evaluates the impact of management decisions on plant production enterprises technologies related to the production cycle propagation techniques relevant to a plant enterprise the role of information and communication technologies (databases and spreadsheets) relevant to the management of plant enterprises apply technology to a plant production enterprise perform different propagation techniques use technologies to monitor production levels to assess the effectiveness of plant management practices investigate timing and impact of relevant operations in a plant production cycle explains and evaluates the impact of management decisions on animal production enterprises breeding techniques nutritional requirements of animals the role of information and communication technologies (databases and spreadsheets) relevant to the management of animal enterprises identify breeding programs and their impact on production design a feeding program for the production cycle of an animal investigate timing and impact of relevant operations in an animal production cycle use technologies to monitor production levels to assess the effectiveness of animal management practices evaluates the impact of past and current agricultural practices on agricultural sustainability the application of current and emerging technologies to agricultural enterprises evaluate the impact of current technologies on sustainability 23

24 Core B (cont) Outcomes A student: evaluates management practices in terms of profitability, technology, sustainability, social issues and ethics short-term and long-term effects of management practices on sustainability of chosen agricultural enterprises social and ethical issues associated with changing agriculture Students learn to: compare short-term and long-term effects of agricultural production systems on sustainability compare profitability using tools such as gross margins implements and justifies the application of animal welfare guidelines to agricultural practices animal welfare codes and their effect on the management of intensive and extensive systems implement and document practices in accordance with animal welfare codes designs, undertakes, analyses and evaluates experiments and investigates problems in agricultural contexts experimental design in agricultural situations draw conclusions from observations and analysis of data formulate a solution to an agricultural problem collects and analyses agricultural data and communicates results using a range of technologies analysing trends, patterns and relationships in data and information examine and analyse data from a range of sources communicate an understanding of trends, patterns and relationships in data to a specified audience applies Occupational Health and Safety requirements when using, maintaining and storing chemicals, tools and agricultural machinery hazard identification and risk assessment when using chemicals, tools and agricultural machinery identify hazards and apply control measures including the utilisation of personal protective equipment performs plant and animal management practices safely and in cooperation with others hazard identification and risk assessment when handling animals and performing plant husbandry techniques conduct a risk assessment for a designated task 24

25 Additional content The provision of examples of additional content recognises that while some students will need all of the available time focusing on the essential content of the syllabus to achieve the course outcomes, others would benefit from extending their learning through engaging with additional material. The additional content presented below provides suggestions only and should not be considered an exclusive or exhaustive list. Outcomes A student: explains why identified plant species and animal breeds have been used in agricultural enterprises and developed for the Australian environment and/or markets relationships between climatic patterns and associated pasture varieties animal breeds and/or plant varieties imported for use in Australian agriculture Students learn to: identify pasture types associate pasture growth patterns with local climate patterns research, compare and contrast specific animal breeds/plant varieties in relation to their chosen country explains the interactions within and between agricultural enterprises and systems the process involved in: silage and haylage making the process of cheese and yoghurt manufacture the process of ginger beer brewing composting and composting techniques beneficial effects of apiculture apply processes involved in silage and haylage making apply processes involved in cheese and yoghurt making apply processes involved in ginger beer brewing make one type of compost examine the role of bees as an agricultural enterprise explains the interactions within and between the agricultural sector and Australia s economy, culture and society production strategies employed in other countries related to a chosen agricultural product the impact of changes in production levels on domestic consumption and foreign export research world production of an agricultural product and examine the domestic and export-marketing patterns for the product identify trends in demand and prices for different products produced from an agricultural commodity 25

26 Additional content (cont) Outcomes A student: investigates and implements responsible production systems for plant and animal enterprises the advantages and disadvantages of different production systems a metabolic disease related to ruminant animals, eg bloat various types of local pastures and weed varieties Students learn to: investigate a metabolic disease related to a ruminant animal and report on its impact on the animal discuss and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different grazing systems including: rotational grazing strip grazing cell grazing zero grazing identify different weed and/or pasture types differentiate between native and introduced pastures investigates and applies responsible marketing principles and processes the logos/branding used in marketing agricultural products investigate agricultural logos/branding and the criteria that they represent explains and evaluates the impact of management decisions on plant production enterprises soil texture and structure the effect of soil conditioners, eg lime, gypsum and compost the role of fertilisers in a plant production enterprise irrigation systems assess soil texture and structure evaluate the effect of soil conditioners evaluate the plant response and environmental impacts of applying different fertilisers compare a range of irrigation systems explains and evaluates the impact of management decisions on animal production enterprises different methods of internal parasite control animal behaviours that influence animal management decisions research, compare and evaluate two alternative programs for the control of an internal parasite identify animal behaviour patterns such as pecking order, bullying, stress, maternalistic behaviour and courtship 26

27 Additional content (cont) Outcomes A student: evaluates the impact of past and current agricultural practices on agricultural sustainability alternative methods of plant/animal production Students learn to: construct a no-dig garden investigate hydroponics and agroforestry investigate aquaculture evaluates management in terms of profitability, technology, sustainability, social issues and ethics different types of soil/land and river degradation including: gully erosion rill erosion sheet erosion salinity acidity environmental management strategies such as riverbank stabilisation schemes identify the different forms of soil/land and river degradation including: gully erosion rill erosion sheet erosion salinity acidity implements and justifies the application of animal welfare guidelines to agricultural practices animal husbandry techniques used to minimise livestock injury evaluate techniques such as de-horning, de-beaking, castration, mulesing, tail docking designs, undertakes, analyses and evaluates experiments and investigates problems in agricultural contexts planning and conducting first-hand investigations in agricultural situations assess the validity and reliability of data gathered from a first-hand investigation or information gathered from secondary sources collects and analyses agricultural data and communicates results using a range of technologies the variation that exists in prices in agricultural products due to seasonal variations use appropriate information and communication technologies to analyse prices of plant and animal products over a set period 27

28 Additional content (cont) Outcomes A student: applies Occupational Health and Safety requirements when using, maintaining and storing chemicals, tools and agricultural machinery specialist agricultural chemicals used on the school farm Students learn to: construct an inventory of agricultural chemicals used on the school farm compare labels and material safety data sheets evaluate safety steps when using chemicals, tools and agricultural machinery performs plant and animal management practices safely and in cooperation with others alternative methods of pest control investigate non-chemical alternatives to plant and animal pest control Life Skills For some students with special education needs, particularly those students with an intellectual disability, it may be determined that the above content is not appropriate. For these students, Life Skills outcomes and content can provide the basis for the development of a relevant and meaningful program see section 8. 28

29 8 Life Skills Outcomes and Content The Board of Studies recognises that a small percentage of students with special education needs may best fulfil the mandatory curriculum requirements for Agricultural Technology by undertaking Life Skills outcomes and content. (Requirements for access to Life Skills outcomes and content are detailed in section 1.2.) Life Skills outcomes will be selected on the basis that they meet the particular needs, goals and priorities of each student. Students are not required to complete all outcomes. Outcomes may be demonstrated independently or with support. In order to provide a relevant and meaningful program of study that reflects the needs, interests and abilities of each student, schools may integrate Agricultural Technology Life Skills outcomes and content across a variety of school and community contexts. 8.1 Outcomes Objectives Students will develop: 1 knowledge and understanding of agriculture as a dynamic and interactive system that uses plants and animals to produce food, fibre and other derivatives Outcomes A student: LS.1 experiences a range of plant and animal production enterprises LS.2 investigates some environmental factors that affect plant and animal production 2 knowledge and understanding of the local and global interaction of agriculture with Australia s economy, culture and society 3 knowledge of and skills in the effective and responsible production and marketing of agricultural products 4 an understanding of sustainable and ethical practices that support productive and profitable agriculture 5 skills in problem-solving including investigating, collecting, analysing, interpreting and communicating information in agricultural contexts LS.3 LS.4 LS.5 LS.6 LS.7 LS.8 LS.9 LS.10 identifies animals and plants commonly used in Australian agricultural production explores how agricultural production contributes to our daily lives participates in the production process of an agricultural enterprise participates in marketing an agricultural product identifies some environmental effects of agricultural production implements recycling strategies in an agricultural enterprise ensures the safe treatment and care of animals while engaging in an agricultural enterprise uses information and communication technologies to collect, organise and present information related to an agricultural enterprise 29