Rationale
Agriculture Life Skills 11–12 enables students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills related to the production and management of plants and animals. Through engaging with practical investigations in agriculture, students are provided with opportunities to develop skills that can be applied to a range of everyday contexts, including collecting and interpreting data and information, problem-solving, decision-making and collaboration.
The rationale of the Agriculture Life Skills 11–12 Syllabus aligns with the rationale of the Agriculture 11–12 Syllabus for a common entitlement of learning, as described below.
Agriculture is the study of the interrelationship of plants, animals, soils and water. It is a composite of rural and urban industries that are structured to produce items that benefit society, including food, fibre and building materials. Through the study of Agriculture, students develop an understanding of how these resources are produced for society.
Agriculture provides students with opportunities to understand the relationship between the sustainable use of natural capital and the ethical production practices required to meet consumer demands. They learn about agricultural production and its implications for Australian and global food security. Students learn how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Cultures, Knowledges and Practices have shaped sustainable agricultural systems. They explore and communicate the interconnections between Peoples, lands, and food and fibre production, and the importance of ecological care and Cultural continuity.
By undertaking practical investigations, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and develop essential skills in collecting, processing and interpreting data. Students learn about a range of opportunities and challenges for the sector and develop and communicate their understanding of ways to address real-world agricultural problems.
Agriculture provides opportunities for students to examine the roles of food, fibre and other agricultural products in society. They develop knowledge and practical skills that provide pathways to further education, vocational training and careers in agriculture, such as roles in agribusinesses, rural finance and risk management, or food and beverage manufacturing.