Feedback from schools has led to the Ministry of Education backing down on plans to develop agriculture and horticulture as industry-led subjects. 

Rangiora High School and Oxford Area School were among those to voice concerns at proposals for subjects like agriculture, horticulture and outdoor education to no longer be offered as academic subjects. 

But last week the Ministry of Education announced it had revised its advice on the future of agricultural and horticultural science in the senior secondary curriculum. 

The Ministry’s Hautū Taupua acting deputy secretary Pauline Cleaver said agricultural and horticultural science will remain as standalone, Ministry-led subjects for years 12 and 13, rather than being developed as industry-led subjects. 

‘‘This reflects the subject’s specialist scientific nature and the conclusion that it would not be adequately covered through other science subjects or the primary industries subject. 

‘‘The subject will be developed alongside other science disciplines to maintain curriculum coherence and support progression from year 11 science.’’

 She said the Ministry acknowledged the strong feedback it had received from schools, industry, and communities. 

The food and fibre sector employs around 14% of New Zealand’s workforce.

Agribusiness also will remain integrated within business studies at years 12 and 13. 

Ms Cleaver said draft subject descriptions will be available in mid-October, with wider consultation planned for term one next year. 

Rangiora High School board of trustees presiding member Simon Green had said removing academic pathways could ‘‘undermine the breadth and status of agriculture and horticulture’’ at the school.

‘‘Our school farm and revitalised horticulture unit are central to giving students both practical skills and clear academic pathways into further study and careers in the sector.’’ 

The Ministry of Education is planning an overhaul of secondary education, including the phasing out of NCEA from 2028 and replacing it with five core subjects. 

-LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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