Every so often, a small group of Euroa Secondary College students get to step away from the classroom and engage in an outdoor teaching environment of a different kind.
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They belong to the agriculture classes run by the college, which span a range of agriculture and food production experiences.
Recently the students spent the day at Balmattum Park, an equestrian property just out of town, where they received instruction on handling horses.
The students from the middle years of secondary school are engaged in Certificate II or III classes run over a two-year program.
The classes have roughly a 50:50 split between theory and practice, with their field days taking the students to sheep and cattle properties, an intensive egg farm, a high technology demonstration farm run by the Department of Agriculture, the Elmore Field Days and a visit to Melbourne University’s Dookie campus.
Blake Hepworth, 15, is interested in farming as a career.
Program co-ordinator and agriculture teacher Lachie Cooke said the school had committed to running the agriculture course because of the opportunities available to students and the interest expressed by students.
“Agriculture is a big field and there are employment opportunities of all kinds, particularly when you are based in a rural area,” Mr Cooke said.
“In this setting we can expose the kids to a range of different experiences.
“Even if they are not engaged at this age, they may choose to continue education into a longer term agricultural career.”
Balmattum Park principal Kerrie Standish explains a point to student Blake Hepworth.
Students completing the Certificate II can then move into Certificate III or a school-based apprenticeship, which comprises academic study and work in an agricultural setting.
The completion of a Certificate III will contribute towards the student’s ATAR (Austrailan Tertiary Admission Rank).
The equestrian day was hosted at Balmattum Park by Kerrie Standish, an experienced eventing rider and a former teacher, who enjoys seeing the students develop skills in horse handling.
She was able to provide a range of horses, from the mild-mannered Welsh mountain ponies to the more spirited, but disciplined, retired racehorses.
Euroa Secondary College agriculture teacher Lachie Cook at the equestrian day.
At the equestrian field day, the training was managed by registered training organisation 4Upskilling.
Trainer Rob Sirrell said the company delivered a range of training in agriculture from occupational health and safety through to certificate level.
“The students are exposed to a range of agricultural experiences through the training,” Mr Sirrell said.
Euroa students hear from equestrian rider Kerrie Standish in the mounting yard.
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