Twenty-four agricultural classes are planned to be opened in schools of the Vitebsk region from September 1, the main department for education of the regional executive committee informed a BELTA correspondent.
Twenty-four agricultural classes are planned to be opened in schools of the Vitebsk region from September 1, the main department for education of the regional executive committee informed a BELTA correspondent.
Pupils from rural areas of the northern region will study in the agricultural classes. They will be established on the basis of 10th-grade classes, with lessons held once a week. "Pupils will study crop production and animal husbandry in depth, with part of the practical training taking place on school grounds. During their studies, they will also visit the best agricultural enterprises in the district to familiarise themselves with new equipment and technologies," the department said.
Through elective classes, schoolchildren will gain an understanding of modern agriculture, which is important for making decisions when choosing a future profession. In addition, graduates of such classes will have the opportunity to enter agricultural universities for agricultural specialities on preferential terms.
In July 2018, the Ministry of Education approved the curriculum for the elective course "Introduction to Agricultural Professions" for students in grades 10-11 of educational institutions. It is designed to foster students' interest in agricultural professions, familiarise them with agricultural production technologies, provide knowledge about the level of technical and energy support for agricultural production, and also introduce them to the state policy for the development of the country's agro-industrial complex.
The elective course curriculum is designed for 140 hours. The first block covers the period of study in the 10th grade and is dedicated to an introduction to agricultural production. The second block includes issues of agricultural production. The curriculum provides for practical sessions, which include seminars, excursions, and off-site classes.