The Gateway School

A number of grade 4 and 5 learners are instructed in Agricultural Studies, as one of four skills subjects. Generic farming, agricultural practices, horticulture, business/environmental practices and livestock care are the topics dealt with in Agricultural Studies. These terms are explained below:

• Generic farming means to use natural resources to produce commodities which include food, fibre, forest products and horticultural crops.
• Agricultural practices are specific methods which create food and goods for consumers or further processing.
• Horticulture is the art or practice of growing fruits, vegetables, trees, flowers or ornamental plants in a garden, orchard or nursery.
• Business practice is the application of storage management and stocktaking, the understanding of basic cost and income and the execution of basic entrepreneurial skill.
• Environmental practice is the knowledge of beneficial plants, wild and cultivated, control of invasive plants, the interpretation of nature signs and the responsible use of water.
• Livestock care involves the care, maintenance and utilization of small livestock such as chickens and rabbits.