Sir, – Ivan Yates (Education Today, February 14th) raises a valid point regarding “tardiness in reforming the curriculum to meet job requirements is self-evident”.
This tardiness is most evident in relation to the teaching of agricultural science in second-level schools. While the number of students studying the subject increases year on year and the agri-food industry continues to play a key role in our economic recovery, the agricultural science syllabus is almost 40 years old.
The syllabus is in no way indicative of the workings or dynamics of modern agriculture and food production.
It is startling to think that the increasing number of students who are progressing to a third- level agri-food sector course have a foundation in agricultural learning which is archaic in relation to modern agricultural practices.
Agri Aware, along with IASTA and the Irish Farmers’ Journal continues to provide students with an understanding of modern agricultural practices and food production though its agricultural science study guide notes and textbook Pastures New. However, the Department of Education needs to realise the importance of implementing an updated, modern agricultural science syllabus at second level. Agri Aware has requested a meeting with Minister Quinn on numerous occasions to discuss this issue.
Today’s agriculture students will be our industry leaders of tomorrow and the Minister for Education must realise the importance of having a strong, skilled and educated agri-food workforce. – Yours, etc,