Background

The Agriculture Certificate is being offered for the first time at Kensington Intermediate Senior High School and Kinkora Regional High School. Enrolment for this program occurs in the spring of grade 9 with the regular course selections. The program attracts students who are interested in agriculture, willing to learn, interested in a healthy lifestyle, and eligible for a high school diploma. The Agriculture Certificate program is not a separate course, but incorporates agricultural activities into regular high school courses. During the high school years, students have the opportunity to complete a co-operative education placement in the agricultural industry, a paid internship at the completion of grade eleven, as well as short courses or workshops in concert with the agriculture industry. 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.
	The Agriculture Certificate program is open to all students, even those that may be uncertain of a career path in agriculture. Any student with personal interests 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 is designed to better prepare students for life-long learning and direct entry into the workforce or pursuit of post-secondary education.