11 Agriculture and Horticultural Science 1

Agricultural and Horticultural Science in Level 1 provides students with a basic understanding of livestock and pasture management, environmental impact and practical farm skills. Science is studied in the form of applied anatomy and physiology, and health of both soil, plants and animals. An appreciation of how food and fibre is produced, along with the importance of the primary industries to the New Zealand economy will be gained through the learning.

There are four assessments in total. One internal is NCEA-assessed (life processes within the primary production system), with the remaining three assessed by MAGS (geographic distribution of primary production, soil properties and their management practices, and sustainability of producing primary products).

This subject leads on to Agricultural and Horticultural Science at Level 2 and 3, and Agribusiness at Level 2 and Level 3. At Level 3 both Agricultural and Horticultural Science and Agribusiness are University Entrance Approved subjects.  From there it leads to tertiary qualifications which can be undertaken at farm cadet schools, training colleges or (for the more academic students) universities.  There is a vast range and number of employment opportunities within the primary industries here in New Zealand and abroad. 

N.B. to study Agricultural or Horticultural Science at university it is recommended that a student studies Chemistry at Level 2.