By Gerald Piddock

Copyright farmersweekly

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The government has reversed its decision not to include agriculture as a secondary school subject after the decision was slammed by agricultural education leaders.

Agricultural and horticultural science will remain a standalone, Ministry-led subject for Years 12 and 13, rather than being developed as an industry-led subject, and agribusiness will remain integrated within business studies at Years 12 and 13.

Agribusiness in Schools curriculum director Kerry Allen said it is a great result.

“The decision means for agriculture, horticulture and science that we are able to target those students who want to take more of an academic pathway.

“It’s very exciting and it does mean that more younger people will be able to get into the primary sector.”

Making agribusiness a compulsory part of the business studies curriculum will also give students greater exposure to the sector.

“That’s very exciting as well.”

It should be a great win for both agribusiness and business studies, Allen said.

The news also came as a huge relief, Allen said.

“I did feel a bit of the weight of the primary sector educators on my shoulders.”

She said opposing the original decision was a team effort with lots of people within education and industry speaking out against it.

She thanked Education Minister Erica Stanford and the Ministry of Education (MoE) for listening and acting on their concerns.

“That’s all we asked for – to be listened to.”

At the Ministry of Education Pauline Cleaver, Hautū Taupua acting deputy secretary, Te Poutāhū MoE Curriculum Centre, said the MoE had reviewed and revised its advice on the future of agricultural and horticultural science in the senior secondary curriculum.

“This reflects the subject’s specialist scientific nature and the conclusion that it would not be adequately covered through other science subjects or the primary industries subject. The subject will be developed alongside other science disciplines to maintain curriculum coherence and support progression from Year 11 science.”

Cleaver acknowledged the strong feedback received from educators, industry, and communities, and said the Ministry has acted to make sure the subject remains accessible, valued and aligned with student pathways into the primary industries.

“We have also confirmed that agribusiness will remain integrated within Business Studies at Years 12 and 13. The Ministry will work closely with subject associations to ensure agribusiness is clearly visible and valued within the subject.”