Our Learning
Tawera
Rural College
Tawera Rural College is a specialist department of Darfield High School, which is resourced to help prepare students for a range of futures in agriculture, from straight to work to further study.
Our facilities onsite include a dedicated building, quad and two-wheel motorbikes and trailers with a purpose-built track, fencing equipment, chainsaws and personal protective equipment (PPE). Offsite, we are fortunate to be well supported by a range of farms in our community, providing access to real-world learning.
Contact:
Rex Smith
Head of Rural College
rs@darfield.school.nz
Modules of learning are available in Years 9 and 10.
In the senior school, courses can be chosen to specialise in pathways to work or to university, or both.
The Year 11 course is equally divided between practical and theory units. It covers such topics as Quad Bike and Motorbike Safety, Electric and Non-electric Fencing, Tractor Safety, Cattle and Sheep Identification and Attributes, and Cold Water Plumbing Systems, as well as several Horticulture options.
Students complete between five and seven days’ Work Experience arranged by the school and completed during school holiday periods. Students also attend whole-day farm visits where they undertake a wide variety of farm activities.
In Year 12, the focus is almost completely centred on Beef and Sheep Animal Husbandry and Dairy Farming, with further development of practical skills.
In Year 13, the emphasis is on preparation for further University study, and the topics taught are based on the requirements for the Diploma in Agriculture.
The Lincoln University Diploma in Agriculture course is available as a night-school option for adults and school leavers. A generous scholarship exists to fund this university study.
