Agricultural Science
Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science is the science of farming and horticulture. It has many similarities and overlaps with Biology and so these subjects complement each other when both are taken for the leaving certificate. The coursework covers aspects of topics such animal and plant physiology, genetics and ecology while providing an opportunity to investigate elements of agricultural practice relevant to cows, sheep, pigs, tillage crops, soil and grasslands. The course requires a good scientific background so it would be an advantage to have taken Junior science at higher level.
Perhaps, the biggest advantage of Agricultural Science is that 25% of the total marks are for a student portfolio detailing their practical experience with various animals and crops. This is usually done on a farm so having access to a farm is something to consider. The final exam is worth the remaining 75% of the total marks. You should consider taking this subject if you enjoy science and would like to get some experience, both theoretical and practical, of how science applies to agriculture. Those interested in careers in general science, veterinary science, farming, zoology and medicine should give this consideration.
5th Year syllabus
Animal and Plant Physiology, Cells, Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Pigs, Crops
6th Year syllabus
Ecology, Genetics, Soil Science
Perhaps, the biggest advantage of Agricultural Science is that 25% of the total marks are for a student portfolio detailing their practical experience with various animals and crops. This is usually done on a farm so having access to a farm is something to consider. The final exam is worth the remaining 75% of the total marks. You should consider taking this subject if you enjoy science and would like to get some experience, both theoretical and practical, of how science applies to agriculture. Those interested in careers in general science, veterinary science, farming, zoology and medicine should give this consideration.
5th Year syllabus
Animal and Plant Physiology, Cells, Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Pigs, Crops
6th Year syllabus
Ecology, Genetics, Soil Science
Ag Science Students cultivate Bishop's Garden
On Friday 25th May 2018, the 5th year Ag Science students organised an action day to clean up the Bishop's Garden behind the school. The garden had become overgrown and was in need of some work to restore it.
The work started at 8:45am with students bringing in hedge clippers, hoes and plenty of enthusiasm. Between them, the lads worked throughout the school day with around ten students working at any one time. Perhaps the best thing from the perspective of their teacher, Mr Meredith, was the level of responsibility, initiative and hard work shown by the students who required little prompting, supervision or motivating. The lads worked extremely hard in the hot weather only stopping for a quick break to eat ice creams provided by Frances, the Bishop's secretary. In the end, the garden was transformed and this was noted by many members of staff. A fantastic day with great effort from all students involved including some extra 5th year students. Thanks also to all the teachers who came out to provide coffee, food, fix strimmers, take photos, do interviews or just to say hello!
The work started at 8:45am with students bringing in hedge clippers, hoes and plenty of enthusiasm. Between them, the lads worked throughout the school day with around ten students working at any one time. Perhaps the best thing from the perspective of their teacher, Mr Meredith, was the level of responsibility, initiative and hard work shown by the students who required little prompting, supervision or motivating. The lads worked extremely hard in the hot weather only stopping for a quick break to eat ice creams provided by Frances, the Bishop's secretary. In the end, the garden was transformed and this was noted by many members of staff. A fantastic day with great effort from all students involved including some extra 5th year students. Thanks also to all the teachers who came out to provide coffee, food, fix strimmers, take photos, do interviews or just to say hello!
Students of Agriculture Science cultivate school garden
Under the guidance of their teacher Mr Meredith, Fifth Year students of Agricultural Science in CBS Kilkenny have undertaken a project to develop a school garden from an area of waste space between the school grounds and St Mary's Cathedral. The project will take several months because the ground has first to be cleared, then prepared and sown. It is intended to install several raised beds with gravel surrounds and will turn an area of wasteland into a very attractive space.
Many thanks to our near neighbour Bishop Farrell for his permission and support of this project.
Many thanks to our near neighbour Bishop Farrell for his permission and support of this project.
