Please read through all application information below prior to completing the form. (please note you can submit your reference later it doesn't have to come with your application)
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
Fundraising- there is potentially a significant amount of this depending on what the class wants\needs. We typically take L2 away on a trip; deep south 2023 & Mystery Creek Field Days, but class clothing and equipment. If more students than usual are accepted some fundraising will be put towards course fees. The course is funded for 30 and in 2023 we have 46 students.
Selection Process
Complete an application form.
The online form will be open from NOW applications will remain open until Friday 18th August.
Referee: This will be a verbal referee, please provide contacts for someone unrelated who knows you well and is happy to receive a phone call.
Applications due by Friday 18th August
Once applications are in we will have interviews –with parents\caregivers and students –Interview bookings will be online via
https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code/2p2vc and will be open to select a time until Friday 18th August.
Interviews will run Monday 21st & Tuesday 22nd August 7am-9pm. Or you can suggest a time that is best for you. Or i can come to you so just let me know.
There is also a compulsory practical interview on Wednesday 23rd August.
Class will be announced Friday 25th August.
So how do we decide who makes the class?
Geraldine is funded for 30 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 21 students. 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
