Kempsey High School is one of seven nation-wide secondary schools chosen for a new agriculture program.
The schools Agricultural team were on show yesterday for the launch of the pilot program from Phronesis Academy.
The program is created through a partnership between AgriFutures Australia and Startup.business and is designed to teach the next generation of agriculture students how to overcome problems in the industry as well as including learning modules to increase their understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship in the field.
Being one of only seven schools in the country chosen for the program has put Kempsey High School to the forefront of agriculture innovation in education.
CEO and co-founder of Phronesis Academy, Jo Burston, attended the launch and said when selecting schools for the program, Kempsey High School stood out.
“We were amazed by their application for the program, they were incredibly impressive. And even today the reception has been very welcoming. Seeing the students so proud of their work and loving what they do is great,” Ms Burston said.
The program brings students and local businesses together and highlights a future in agriculture.
“It’s about engaging students in an agriculture future choice and helping them become stronger leaders in the field. We also work within the community with businesses and help provide scholarships for the students which helps them stay in the community they want to live in,” Ms Burston said.
The program will run at Kempsey High School over the next two terms and will include pitching sessions for students to showcase their ideas to businesses as well as a national pitching competition between the seven schools involved with the hope to include local and federal Government as well.
Head of Kempsey High Schools Agricultural Program Gavin Saul said this is an amazing opportunity that will benefit the students.
“We recognise that agriculture is ever-changing and the kids need to be able to problem solve and use team work to assist in solving these problems. It’s an honor for such an opportunity for the students to be involved in this program,” Mr Saul said.
Mark Haywood from Ray White Rural in Kempsey said its great to come out and support the high school.
“Seeing the students going ahead in leaps and bounds and local businesses supporting them as well, it’s great. This is putting the students right up there with other schools around the state,” Mr Haywood said.
Students from years 7-10 showcased skills learnt through their agricultural studies yesterday and were joined by local farmers, businesses, parents and teachers at the launch of the AgriFutures and Startup.business program.
“It’s an honor to be involved in designing future agricultural programs and to ensure current industry standards are adhered to at an educational level,” Mr Saul said.
