THE Kingdoms OF LIFE

Over the following 16 pages, Louise O’Hora takes you through some of the key areas of the Leaving Cert Ag Science curriculum

ONCE again, over 7,500 students sat the Ag Science exam in 2017 highlighting the growing popularity of the subject at second level. Moreover, despite the change in the grading system, approximately 4.3pc still achieved a H1 in the subject at higher level, in line with the number of A1s in 2016. In addition, the number of students applying for Agriculture and Horticulture-based courses increased by 17pc in 2017, which is compounded by the much broader range of courses now available nationwide at Level 6 and Level 7 to students with a genuine interest in other areas of agriculture, including Agricultural Mechanisation, Agricultural Engineering and Animal Care.

The lack of a clearly defined syllabus in Ag Science at second level may be regarded as a contributory factor in students failing to achieve the H1 grade in this subject as the current curriculum is very broad but until the syllabus changes, Ag Focus is here to help. It is my priority to present to you as much information as possible in a concise and studentfriendly manner allowing students to spend their valuable time on learning the essential information and material.

This first supplement examines the five kingdoms of life and their relevance in the agricultural world. The more practical elements of farming such as housing, nutrition and disease and disease control are discussed. In addition, an insight into how to maximise marks on both the written paper and the practical element of the subject are also included.