HOME /
Background
 |
The Agriculture Certificate Program is a 3 year high school program which students apply for at the end of Gr. 9. Students go through a formal interview process and, if accepted, enter the program in September of Gr. 10. Students enrolled in the program gain a ‘specialization’ in agriculture. |
Special features of the program include:
- agriculture infusion activities within selected high school courses. Infusion activities were designed with the intent of incorporating agriculture into the curriculum, making education more relevant for students with an interest in agriculture and meeting the curriculum requirements.
- 240 hours of paid or unpaid agriculture-related work (summer employment, volunteer work, after-school jobs, etc.)
- opportunities to complete training workshops or seminars in concert with the agriculture industry (Tractor Safety Day, Animal Safe Handling, First Aid, W.H.M.I.S., etc.).
- guest speakers and field trips relevant to the agriculture industry.
- a portfolio which would be beneficial when seeking employment.
- upon graduation, a recognized Agriculture Certificate as well as preferred standing and scholarship opportunities at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College.
In December 2008, the N.S.A.C. Faculty Council voted to renew their endorsement the Agriculture Certificate Program. The endorsement includes the following provisions:
- Students entering the Environmental Horticulture Technology Program will be given credit for one of the two free electives.
- Students entering the Plant Science Technology Program will be given credit for one of the electives.
- Successful candidates to the Veterinary Technology Program will be given credit for one elective course.
With the Diploma in Enterprise Management, Farming students will be given credit for one of the electives. In addition, of the 400 hours of required Farming Internship hours, Agriculture Certificate Program students can be awarded up to 240 hours of Internship hours based on their work experience as approved by the Program Advisor. Credit for W.H.M.I.S. and First Aid will also be given upon presentation of certificates. Greenhouse and Nursery students will be given credit for one elective and W.H.M.I.S. and First Aid with the presentation of certificates. Dairy, Companion Animal and Equine students will be given credit for W.H.M.I.S. and First Aid upon presentation of certificates.
Students entering the Bachelor of Science (Agr.), the Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Horticulture and Bachelor of Technology in Applied Science Degree Programs will be granted one elective (with an A designation).
Because the university wishes to encourage the graduates of the Agriculture Certificate Program to continue their agricultural studies at N.S.A.C., the University will offer one $500 prize to an outstanding Ag. Cert. Program student from each of the three schools; K.R.H.S., K.I.S.H. and W.C.H.S. who is planning on attending N.S.A.C. The President of N.S.A.C., or a designate, will attend the high school graduation ceremonies to present the certificates and prizes to the students.
All of these experiences enable a student to make valuable contacts, increase their self-esteem and aid in bridging the transition between school and work or post-secondary education.
This program is open to all students, even those who may be uncertain of a career path. Any student with personal or career interests ranging from animal health and agricultural technology to plant science and veterinary medicine should consider participation in this program. The Agriculture Certificate Program is designed to better prepare students for life-long learning, entry directly into the workforce or the pursuit of post-secondary education.
Other than the compulsory graduation requirements, Agriculture Certificate Program students are required to take either Agri-Science 801 or Agriculture 621 during their Gr. 11 or Gr. 12 year.
