Please read through all application information below prior to completing the form.
Are you...
Motivated?
Hard working?
Have good attendance?
Have a genuine interest in working in the primary sector, on farm or at tertiary level?
Enjoy practical, hands on learning?
This may be the course for you!
About the Academy
The Primary Industry Academy is a virtual school; linking schools, Industry Training Organisations, and employers. GHS is a nationally recognised school for this course and is ranked in the Top Three nationwide. We are also a pilot school for level 3 and write resources and curriculum material for the national body.
Our course
Level one- Students undertake a number of field trips and have an introduction to many different aspects of Primary Industry while beginning to work towards their New Zealand Certificate in Primary Sector Skills
Level 2 one day per week on farm and complete their National Certificate
Level 3 Feeding and Pastures :1-2 days per week on farm (there are a variety of ways the on-farm component can be meet –unique to each students’ learning needs)
All groups compete in the Young Farmer competition and attend courses at Agri Learn
There is NO cost (although $10 per item for uniform hire-this includes wet weather gear, shirt, 2-3 jackets)
Fundraising- there is potentially a significant amount of this depending on what the class wants\needs. 2019 students raised money for wet weather jackets, hoodies, grand Final and Fencing Gear. If more students than usual are accepted some fundraising will be put towards course fees. The course is funded for 20 and in 2020 we have 41 students.
Selection Process:
Complete an application form. The online form will be open until Friday 10th September. Once applications are in we will have interviews –these will be scheduled once alert levels change.
Class will be announced after the last interview.
Reference: this can be from anyone who knows you well; excluding family, and does not have to be associated with anything in Primary Industry. The writer does need to comment on drugs and alcohol for example “to the best of my knowledge ……..is responsible around alcohol and is drug free”.
So how do we decide who makes the class?
Geraldine is funded for 20 students across level 1, 2 and 3. I do take more than this but at level 1 my limitation is being able to take students on field trips and the class needs to be a small enough group so that the trips are meaningful. Previously I have worked on up to 14 students, which is just over a mini-van full. At level 2 students need to be able to work unsupervised (by the school) on placement.
Attendance-at least 80% The Ministry is very clear that any Trade Academy students must have good attendance and I have to report on this several times during the year.
Students demonstrate a clear interest in the Primary Sector
Attend a formal interview with their parents\Caregivers; Primary ITO and or a member of the GHS senior leadership team.
Please note:
Academic ability: there are no selection criteria regarding this. A learning assistant is employed for all classes and there is lots of help for literacy, numeracy, dyslexia and different learning styles including students continuing on to tertiary education.
Agricultural experience is not necessary. The information pages in the application regarding bikes and tractors are just for me to gauge the starting level of the group- skill level has no bearing on selection.
Pastoral records- while I do look at these I prefer to start fresh and put any previous problems at school in the past, your record will not affect your application.
But…places are limited.
Any questions please get in touch
s.foley@geraldinehs.school.nz027 596 3838
