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AGRICULTURE SYLLABUS

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Agriculture

Syllabus

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Introduction

The two-year Senior Secondary Agricultural Programme builds upon the foundation laid by the three-year Junior Secondary Agricultural Education Programme. This syllabus will impart to learners certain psychomotor, cognitive and affective skills, therefore preparing them for tertiary institutions and self-employment so as to be productive citizens of Botswana.

The major aim of this syllabus is to promote an appreciation of Agriculture as an Applied Science. It is offered under the optional group of creative, technical and vocational subjects.

The subject should be treated as practically as is possible. The teaching approach should be learner centered.

The syllabus content is divided into broad content areas subdivided into topics.. Each topic consists of general which give rise to specific objectives. The specific objectives describe what learners are expected to do. Instructional time for implementation of this syllabus is four (4) periods per week on a 40 period by 40 minute per week timetable.

Rationale

Agriculture as a subject is an applied science and art which deals with farming. It is a multi disciplinary subject that will let students acquire knowledge and understanding of crop and animal production and storage, processing and marketing of agricultural produce. The subject will help learners to explore and apply the Agricultural / Scientific knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired to address environmental, social and economic issues in their day to day lives. Students will gain appreciation of Agriculture as an applied science, and will learn through extensive practical experience the basic principles and skills of Agriculture.

Students will also develop the ability to apply scientific attitudes and methods through the study of General Agriculture, Crop Husbandry, Livestock Husbandry, Ornamentals and Lawn Management, Crop and Livestock Improvement, Agriculture Engineering and Agriculture Economics.

This course will stimulate positive attitudes to farming and demonstrate that it is a beneficial and rewarding occupation of much value to the community. Students will become aware of the contribution which improved Agricultural practice can make to the problems of famine and undernourishment in Botswana. They will be equipped to take a resourceful approach to the opportunities and problems presented by Agriculture.

The people of Botswana need to be equipped with appropriate skills on food production for the country to be placed on a sound food security basis and therefore ensuring self-sufficiency.

At the end of the course, students should have acquired effective ways of being self sufficient within the prevailing climate and soil conditions, while at the same time protecting the environment.

Aims of Senior Secondary Programme

On completion of the two year secondary programme learners should have: –

acquired knowledge, developed confidence and ability to assess their personal strengths and weaknesses and be realistic in choosing appropriate career/employment opportunities and/or further education and training.

developed skills to assist them in solving technical and technological problems as they relate to day-to-day life situations.

developed desirable attitudes and behavioural patterns in interacting with the environment in a manner that is protective, preserving and nurturing.

acquired attitudes and values, developed basic skills and understanding to allow for execution of rights and responsibilities as good citizens of Botswana and the world.

developed information technology skills as well as an understanding and appreciation of their influence in day-to-day activities.

acquired knowledge, attitudes and practices that will ensure good family and health practices, including awareness and management of epidemics (such as HIV/AIDS), that prepare them for productive life.

developed pre-vocational knowledge and manipulative skills that will enable them to apply content learnt and attitudes and values developed to practical life situations in the world of work.

developed an understanding of and acquired basic skills in business, everyday commercial transactions and entrepreneurship.

developed foundation skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication, inquiring, team work / interpersonal to help them to be productive and adaptive to survive in a changing environment.

Aims of Senior Secondary Agriculture

On completion of the two year Senior Secondary School Agriculture; learners should have;

developed appreciation of Agriculture as an applied science.

developed interest and awareness of existing problems and opportunities in Agriculture in the context ofrural development.

acquired skills to demonstrate the value of Agriculture to the family, community and the national and worldeconomies.

developed initiative, problem solving abilities and scientific methods so as to encourage a spirit ofresourcefulness and self-reliance.

developed a desirable behavioural pattern and frame of mind in interacting with the environment in a mannerthat is protective, preserving and nurturing.

acquired business and entrepreneurial skills necessary to develop and manage an Agricultural project.

developed skills that are relevant to Agriculture that include objectivity, precision, initiative, experimentationand research.

acquired knowledge and understanding about the efficient use of available government assistanceprogrammes aimed at Agricultural development in Botswana.

acquired knowledge and understanding of the recent technological developments in areas of food production,storage, processing and marketing to ensure food security.

Recommended teaching methods

This syllabus encourages a learner-centred approach as emphasised in the curriculum blueprint. Teachers should approach the teaching-learning process in a learner-centred way. This means that the teacher should use a variety of methods, which include inquiry, demonstration, practical work, project work, case studies, field trips, discussions and computer-guided learning. Teaching methods should expose learners to practical applications of Agriculture in everyday life. Learners should be presented with opportunities to do practical work. Learners will be taught common content and differentiation will be achieved by task and outcome.

Assessment Objectives

The following are the assessment objectives covered in Agriculture to be tested by the examination:

Dimension 1 Knowledge with understanding

Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Agriculture in this syllabus in relation to:

correct use of language, terms, symbols, quantities and units:

correct reference to facts, concepts, principles, patterns, models and theories:

the techniques, procedures and principles of safe Agricultural practice.

Dimension 2 Handling information and solving problems

Students should be able to use written. symbolic, graphical and numerical information to:

organise and present information from a variety of sources:

translate information from one form to another:

use information to report trends and draw conclusions:

present reasoned explanations for observed facts:

make predictions and propose hypotheses:

solve problems of a quantitative and qualitative nature.

Dimension 3 Practical skills and techniques

Students should be able to:
a) Identify problems and plan an investigation:
b) Use and organise techniques, apparatus and materials:
c) Handle experimental observations and data:
d) Interpret and evaluate observations and experimental data:
e) Maintain accurate physical and financial records on an enterprise:

Assessment Procedures

The Botswana Senior Secondary Agriculture syllabus will be assessed using a variety of continuous assessment instruments in order to ensure that learners attain the set objectives. School based assessment in the form of projects, tests, assignments will be used.

A terminal examination will be administered at the end of the course. Continuous assessment in the form of coursework will contribute to certification. Alternative papers to coursework will be used in cases where it is not possible to offer coursework. The details of assessment of this syllabus will be provided by the examining body, Examinations Research and Testing Division in the Assessment Syllabus.

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