ACT Party campaigns to protect Year 11 agriculture curriculum

The ACT Party is campaigning to ensure agriculture remains a standalone subject within the Year 11 science curriculum. This initiative has received support from the Horticulture & Agriculture Teachers Association (HATA).

HATA president Rex Newman stated that the association has been working to maintain agriculture and horticulture in the curriculum, noting that Year 11 serves as a student’s first exposure to these subjects. Newman expressed concern that removing the standalone status could reduce incentives for students to pursue teaching in these fields.

ACT agriculture spokesperson Andrew Hoggard highlighted that over the last nine years, more than 111,000 students across 359 schools have studied agricultural and horticultural science. Hoggard noted that 63% of these students attend urban schools, suggesting the subject provides vital industry knowledge to youth in both rural and city environments. He previously wrote to Education Minister Erica Stanford seeking confirmation that the subject would remain a standalone option.