Building on calls made in England by the Conservative MP for York Outer, Julian Sturdy, Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, is calling on the Welsh Government to introduce a GCSE in Agriculture GCSE in Wales to encourage more people into the industry, improve skills, and awareness of the work carried out by this key sector of the Welsh economy.
Janet said:
“Having visited a number of local farms, Llanrwst mart, and participated in a number of agricultural shows, it is clear to me that this is a dynamic industry which is experiencing great change and innovation. Alongside this, I have found producers discussing the future of the industry: a key part of which is its workforce.
“Whilst information of relevance to a career in agriculture, conservation, or food can be learnt from subjects such as Biology, Geography, and Maths, there is a gap for an Agriculture GCSE. Indeed, the skills taught as part of existing GCSEs and more of real market relevance could be brought together in one subject through cooperating with the industry to design the content of the course, in doing so, giving those pupils with an interest a strong start.
“There is clear support for this, as in addition to the qualification already being taught in Northern Ireland, a poll by the Farmers Weekly asking whether GCSE Agriculture should be offered to teenagers to prepare them for a career in food and farming had 93% of respondents answering yes.
“Another reason for having the subject is the desperate need to improve our younger generations’ knowledge about food and agriculture as, for example, one in eight young people have never seen a cow in real life!
“Going forward, I have written to the Cabinet Secretary for Education asking for an explanation of what consideration has been given to introducing a GCSE in Agriculture, and for her to state whether she recognises the benefits this could bring to students”.
ENDS
Written Assembly Question to the Kirsty Williams AM, Cabinet Secretary for Education
Will the Cabinet Secretary explain what consideration has been given to introducing an Agriculture GCSE, and state whether she recognises the benefits this could bring to students?
Notes
MP calls for GCSE in agriculture
Why we need an agriculture GCSE
One in eight young people have never seen a cow in real life
Photo
Janet Finch-Saunders AM at Llanrwst Mart