Programs — rural studies
A current move is underway for the school program to have a curriculum focus on agriculture, rural industries and the environment. – VET, Agriculture elective and environment emphasis in the Science curriculum. 
In doing so, it will make use of a 5 hectare area adjacent to the college. District LandCare Groups also support the development and maintenance of this site. A Rural Studies Steering Committee has been formed to oversee the program. The committee has school based representatives as well as members of the wider rural community. The school has also received funding for an Agricultural Shed which will be an extremely valuable resource for our Rural Programs.
Agricultural Shed Opening
The grand opening of the Beaufort Secondary College Agricultural Shed took place at a school assembly on Monday 18th June. At the opening school Principal Mr. Steve Macaulay explained that the construction of the shed was made possible by a $40,000 Commonwealth Government grant under the “Investing in our Schools” program.
The submission for the grant was written in consultation with the College’s Rural Skills Steering Committee, but was the brain child of former teacher Mrs. Joanne Ham. Since Mrs. Ham’s departure from the school Mr. Brett Kuskopf has been the driving force behind the project. It is envisaged that the building of the shed will result in a new era in Agricultural Studies at Beaufort Secondary College.
 Mr. Kuskopf said that students would be able to be involved in areas such as the growing of plants, trees, crops, vegetables, animal husbandry and possibly breeding. The aim is to give students experience, skills and knowledge in a wide range of rural related areas and to develop an understanding about what working and managing a farm involves.
Mr. Kuskopf believes this would result in students being enthusiastic and well prepared for future employment in the rural sector. At present students at Beaufort Secondary College are involved Certificate 1 courses in Agriculture, Equine Studies and Sheep Handling courses. Input from the local community has been a vital ingredient in many of these courses taking place.
The partnership between the school and the community will help in the future developments in Rural Studies, with further Certificate level courses planned for the near future. The school encourages any organisations or individuals who wish to be involved to contact the school and become a member of the Rural Skills Steering Committee.
The school is also seeking sponsorship to help with maintenance and upkeep of the shed. The shed was officially opened by Mr. Peter Oddie, who is a past school council president, member of the Steering Committee and a prominent member of the Beaufort and District farming community. Mr. Oddie commented that it was fantastic to see the school able to have access to such a great facility and that it opens up many opportunities for our local youth to be involved in the rural sector. |
