Agricultural and Horticultural Studies
Prerequisites
Nil.
Course Description
Agricultural and Horticultural Studies is designed to give greater understanding of the operations and practices of agricultural and horticultural systems. The focus is on human interaction with the earth and its organisms. The goal of this interaction is to develop an economically and ecologically sustainable system.
Throughout the study, students apply their acquired knowledge in managing an agricultural or horticultural enterprise.
Unit 1: Semester 1 – Agricultural and Horticultural operations
In this unit students study local agricultural and horticultural operations and the factors that influence these enterprises. Students explore elements that constitute agricultural and horticultural systems; basic animal and plant biology, including identification, classification, structure and growth. They examine the environmental, economic, social and historical factors that influence the development of local agricultural and horticultural systems.
On completion of this unit students should be able to: describe and explain the make-up of agricultural and horticultural systems; identify the range of factors that influence the maintenance and distribution of these systems in this region of Victoria. They will then apply and justify the use of production skills involved in establishing a small agricultural/horticultural enterprise.
ASSESSMENT
1. Coursework (70%)
2. Examination (30%)
Unit 2: Semester 2 – Production
This unit focuses on the analysis of production systems in terms of physical, biological, social and economic factors, sustainability and time. Students examine nutrition, reproduction and genetics in plants and animals. They consider the role of agribusiness and horticultural business in adding value to produce. This unit involves investigating the factors that influence the process of production.
On completion of this unit students should be able to: explain the nutritive and reproductive processes of plants and animals within an agricultural and horticultural production system; discuss the role of these systems in adding value to agricultural and horticultural produce. They will then evaluate and report on the management of a small agricultural enterprise their group established in Unit.
ASSESSMENT
1. Coursework (70%)
2. Examination (30%)
Unit 3: Semester 1 – Technology
Technology in this study refers to the equipment and processes that can be used to maintain and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural and horticultural systems. To achieve sustainable agricultural and horticultural systems, operators need to be aware of technology and its role in planning. This unit focuses on the impact of technology on agricultural/horticultural systems, including new methods of obtaining and processing information to improve efficiency in record-keeping and decision-making; production; marketing; and long-term planning. The development of new and improved technology associated with sustainable production, management and marketing will be investigated, and the impact of this production on the environment will be assessed.
Unit 4: Semester 2 – Management
This unit focuses on the management of agricultural/horticultural systems within the context of ecological sustainability.
On completion of this unit students should be able to: compare a natural ecosystem with a managed ecosystem; apply appropriate production skills to the enterprise; evaluate the outcomes of a business plan; analyse financial performance. Students report on the conduct of an enterprise including factors influencing its productivity and sustainability and students give recommendations for improvement.
ASSESSMENT
1. Coursework – Unit 3 (33%)
2. Coursework – Unit 4 (33%)
3. Examination (34%)
Product Design and Technology
Prerequisites
Nil.
Course Description
In VCE Product Design and Technology, students assume the role of a designer-maker. In adopting this role, students design and make three-dimensional products using one or more materials and systems drawn from:
- RESISTANT MATERIALS (wood, metal, plastics), or
- TEXTILES (fibres, yarns and fabrics).
These units encourage students to produce innovative solutions to various set design problems and develop research skills through a number of investigation assignments. Students work through a series of projects that are designed to encourage students to develop skills in investigation and technical reporting, designing, manufacturing and evaluation.
Unit 1: Semester 1 – Product re-design and sustainability
This unit focuses on the analysis, modification and improvement of product design. It provides a structured approach towards the design process, and looks at examples of design practice used by a designer. The students examine the tools, processes and techniques and knowledge used by a designer to develop a solution to a specific problem.
On completion of the unit, students should be able to: use methods and processes used by the designer to design and manufacture a product. They should know how to use and evaluate the use of materials, tools, equipment and processes applied in the production of a product.
ASSESSMENT
1. Design Folio (30%)
2. Production (30%)
3. Coursework (20%)
4. Examination (20%)
Unit 2: Semester 2 – Collaborative Design
In this unit students work as a member of a team to develop a product range or contribute to the design and production of a group product. This mirrors professional design practice where designers often work within a multidisciplinary team to develop a solution to design problems. The students learn about restrictions and parameters within design set by the end-user’s needs, producer’s requirements, social conventions and environmental concerns. This unit focuses on the impact of these factors on the design solution.
On completion of this unit students should be able to: work as a member of a team to identify a need and use a structured approach to problem-solving. They should know how to justify, manage, safely use and evaluate appropriate production processes.
ASSESSMENT
1. Design Folio (30%)
2. Production (30%)
3. Coursework (20%)
4. Examination (20%)
Unit 3: Semester 1 – Applying the Product design process
This unit focuses on the design and development of a product for the mass market. It requires students to design for others. Product development in industry is investigated through the study of ways of establishing needs and other considerations that are observed when developing the design and product for a client.
On completion of this unit students should be able to: explain the role of the designer and how products are designed and produced to meet the needs of a client. They also need to explain how products are designed and produced within an industrial/commercial setting. Finally students are asked to develop a product for a client.
Unit 4: Semester 2 – Product Development and Evaluation
This unit focuses on how judgements about the success of products can be informed by a comparison in terms of a product’s quality, usefulness and appeal. The role and influence of product promotion and marketing are also considered.
On completion of this unit students should be able to: explain the relationships linking aesthetic appeal, function of products and user needs. They need to develop a product for a client and evaluate the final design and production in relation to the needs of the client.
ASSESSMENT
1. Coursework – Unit 3 (12%)
2. Coursework – Unit 4 (8%)
3. School Assessed Task (50%)
4. Examination (30%)
VCE/VET Furnishing Certificate II in Furniture
Prerequisite:
Year 11: Nil
Year 12: students must have completed Units 1 & 2 – VCE Product Design and Technology
Overview:
This qualification provides students with a broad range of skills and knowledge to pursue a career or further training in a range of furnishing industries. It includes units such as developing a career plan for the furnishing industry, upholstery, making timber joints, basic design, hand and power tools, furniture assembly and a furniture making project.
Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways, including:
- five core units of competency
- seven elective units of competency
- Develop a career plan for the furnishing industry
- Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
- Demonstrate care and apply safe practices at work
- Make simple timber joints
- Join furnishing materials
- Apply domestic surface coatings
- Prepare surfaces
- Organise and communicate information
- Improve practical manufacturing skills.
What skills will you develop?
- Practical woodworking skills
- Material preparation
- Joinery
- Sustainable practices
- How to plan projects
- How to work safely and accurately
Possible future pathways:
- Furniture maker
- Cabinet maker
- Kitchen installer
- Bathroom installer
- Flooring installer
- Furniture finisher