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'Ag Science' a hit at Crana
College
28.02.11
by Sarah Louise Kelly
AGRICULTURE Science is a first time subject on the
Leaving Cert course at Crana College, Buncrana this
year and is becoming very popular with students
taking it.
As part of the course, the local 'Ag-Science'
students travelled to Naas, Co Kildare, to check out
different types of farm machinery at the FTMTA farm
machinery show. Various farm-related trips are
required outside of school, as Crana College
agricultural teacher Francis Meehan told me.
“It was a good opportunity for students who have no
farming experience as well as those who have,” he
said. “Every student got involved, whether they knew
about all the different machinery or if it was a
first time experience for them,” he said.
'Ag-Science' is the study of the science and
technology underlying the principle and practices of
agriculture. It gives students a better knowledge
and skill towards agricultural resources. The
subject itself intends to be a ‘handy’ skill to
learn and have for life, says one of the students
who lives on a farm and has long been putting what
he’s learning into practice.
There are many students who wish to follow on
farming at third level and having Agricultural
Science as a subject, is beneficial for them. |
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Agriculture Science students from
Crana College enjoy a trip to the farm machinery
show in Co Kildare. |
Students found the trip
to Naas useful and enjoyable.
“We got to see the machinery in real life rather
than from textbooks, so that made everything much
clearer,” stated Paula O’Donnell, one of the girls
who took on the new subject this year. Fellow
student Jonny Devlin agreed saying, “It was good
craic as well as educational.”
The students got an insight to the numerous
companies who displayed their wares at the show,
including some cutting edge Swedish companies. The
nine acres of machinery set up on the day gave a
huge sense of excitement and enthusiasm amongst the
students and teachers. “It was a brilliant day,”
said Emma Campbell and the boys all agreed it was a
brilliant experience and definitely beat a day of
schoolwork.
Along with their teacher Mr Meehan, the class are
thoroughly enjoying the course so far and have a few
more trips to attend, including one to the
Agricultural Training College in Ballyhaise, County
Cavan in March.
As the students say themselves, Inishowen is one big
rural area and to learn the ins and outs of farming
and the rural economy is great. |
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