Agriculture teachers from across the Wide Bay region gathered in Bundaberg for a day of sharing resources and honing skills in assessment, classroom and fieldwork instruction.
Thirty agriculture educators from as far afield as Nanango and Monto attended sessions at Bundaberg Christian College, Kepnock State High School and Peirson Farms at Goodwood, with material preparing teachers for Senior Agricultural Science and Australian Curriculum Design Technologies assessment topics.
Bundaberg Christian College Head of Science Bob Hibbard said effective use of resources to engage students was demonstrated, as well as emerging technologies for management of both livestock and cropping enterprises, including the use of EBV (Estimated Breeding Values) information, and soil moisture monitoring equipment.
“The first group of sessions involved teachers sharing teaching and assessment resources,” Bob said.
“The new senior agriculture syllabus was the focus of one of these groups, as assessments completed have been evaluated and changes being made to be submitted for endorsement.
“This session was guided by video link. Another group focused on the use of Australian Curriculum Design Technologies assessment topics for Food and Fibre, while agricultural assistants discussed management of farm facilities.”
Bob said planning for the annual Wide Bay Interschool Hoof and Hook competition was also discussed, honouring the late Brett Martell from Aldridge State High School who passed away in the previous week.
“The second sessions involved effective use of both school farm and other resources for engaging students as well as emerging technologies for management of both livestock and cropping enterprises was demonstrated,” he said.
“This included the use of EBV information (Estimated Breeding Values), soil moisture monitoring equipment and fertigation in a school context.
“The final session entailed visiting Peirson Farms at Goodwood looking at the agricultural training facilities and their use in youth training. Teachers were able to observe the harvesting of avocadoes and discuss their management.”
He said overall, the agriculture teachers and agricultural assistants were amazed with plenty to take back to their schools.
“The day demonstrated the collaborative abilities of agriculture teachers in maintaining an effective community of practice,” he said.
- Earlier news: Bundaberg Christian College new facilities opened
