Scotch College

Learning what life on the land is all about

Learning what life on the land is all about

As each term holiday comes round, most Scotch boys look forward eagerly to a time of relaxation - perhaps a visit to the beach, a spot of skiing, or a relaxing time with the family. But for four Scotch boarders, term holidays mean that it's time to head for a farm, roll up their sleeves and get on with a variety of tasks.

The boarders - Hugh Sizer from Deniliquin, Angus Knight from Finley, Charlie Speer from Ballarat and Ed Harris from Wagga Wagga - are participating in Certificate II in Agriculture, run by the University of Melbourne's McMillan Campus at Warragul. The scheme enables students to complete their VCE while taking on parttime employment and completing a nationally recognised vocational education and training qualification.

The course adds an extra subject to the Scotch academic curriculum which has appeal for boys intending to embark on a practical rural career. Further, by taking the course, boys can add extra marks to their university entrance ENTER score.

Beginning in Year 11 and running for 18 months, the course was instigated by Xavier College, and developed by the university with a major contribution from Scotch's Careers Master, Mark Zannoni. In all, 14 boys are now participating: four from Scotch, four from Xavier, one from Trinity Grammar School and five from Melbourne Grammar School.

Hugh Sizer, Charles Speer, Ed Harris and Angus Knight.

During school holidays, students are employed by their parents or neighbours as farm apprentices for a total of 200 hours over the 18month duration of the course. They take on a wide variety of farm work under the property owner's watchful eye. Grants are available to farmers to help them pay students' wages, and other expenses involved in the training program.

Students can take a range of subjects that meet their individual needs, while participating in a program that provides a seamless transition from school to agricultural work or to further study. There are also benefits for the agricultural industry, because students learn appropriate skills to fit them well for employment in the industry.

The theory classes on Monday evenings at Xavier provide tuition in many issues, ranging from the use of chemicals on farms to occupational health and safety.

Hugh Sizer from Year 11 told Great Scot that because he wants to work in the agricultural industry after he leaves school, the course appeals to him.

"The theory part fits in well with my school work, because we're back at the boarding house by 7.30pm on Mondays, and we aren't given any assignments or homework," he said.

Asked what was more valuable, the theoretical or practical side, he said:"Well, I know it's important to learn the theory of farm work, but I have to say the best part of the course is to go to a farm and learn on the job, while getting paid for the work I do. The variety of work is good: so far, 'we've worked in cattle and sheep farming, and I've learned a lot.

"I'd certainly recommend the course to other boys thinking about a career in agriculture."

David Ashton