NATIONAL CERTIFICATE (VOCATIONAL) (L2–4)
Primary Agriculture
What you should know
The course is design to teach the student the broad principles regarding farming activities such as animal-and soil production, as well as how to run the farm as a business.
Requirements
Grade 9
Duration
3 Years
Career Opportunities
• Agricultural Economics
• Agricultural Science
• Farm Management
• Forestry
• Food Technology
• Botany
• Horticulture
• Food Science
• Viticulture
Campus
Click here to view at which campuses this course is offered
What subjects will I be taking?
FUNDAMENTAL SUBJECTS
Language (English)
Life Orientation
Mathematical Literacy
VOCATIONAL SUBJECTS
LEVEL 2
Animal Production
This subject covers the principles of caring for and managing animals within the agricultural sector. Students explore animal anatomy and physiology, poultry, goat, and sheep production, as well as advanced animal nutrition. Higher levels introduce cattle and ostrich farming. The subject blends South African farming practices with global small-scale farming approaches.
Soil Science
The subject explores the foundation of plant growth and sustainable farming. Students learn about soil composition, plant requirements, fertilisation, soil water, and preventing erosion. The subject also covers agricultural planning and mechanisation. Early lessons include basic chemistry concepts, which link to both plant and animal production.
Plant Production
Students will focus on the growth and management of crops. Students will study plant anatomy and physiology, establishment practices for vegetables, agronomic crops, and fruits (subtropical and deciduous), as well as cultivation techniques, crop management, harvesting, and post-harvest storage.
Agri-business
Agri-business focuses on the business side of farming and agricultural enterprises. Students will learn essential skills in basic farm accounting, entrepreneurship, data collection, costing, planning, and budget construction. At higher levels, the subject covers sustainability practices, importing and exporting, and the integrated management of small agricultural enterprises, equipping students with the tools to run profitable and sustainable agricultural businesses.
LEVEL 3
Animal Production
This subject covers the principles of caring for and managing animals within the agricultural sector. Students explore animal anatomy and physiology, poultry, goat, and sheep production, as well as advanced animal nutrition. Higher levels introduce cattle and ostrich farming. The subject blends South African farming practices with global small-scale farming approaches.
Soil Science
The subject explores the foundation of plant growth and sustainable farming. Students learn about soil composition, plant requirements, fertilisation, soil water, and preventing erosion. The subject also covers agricultural planning and mechanisation. Early lessons include basic chemistry concepts, which link to both plant and animal production.
Plant Production
Students will focus on the growth and management of crops. Students will study plant anatomy and physiology, establishment practices for vegetables, agronomic crops, and fruits (subtropical and deciduous), as well as cultivation techniques, crop management, harvesting, and post-harvest storage.
Agri-business
Agri-business focuses on the business side of farming and agricultural enterprises. Students will learn essential skills in basic farm accounting, entrepreneurship, data collection, costing, planning, and budget construction. At higher levels, the subject covers sustainability practices, importing and exporting, and the integrated management of small agricultural enterprises, equipping students with the tools to run profitable and sustainable agricultural businesses.
LEVEL 4
Farm Planning & Mechanisation
Farm Planning & Mechanisation covers soil science fundamentals, including soil composition, plant growth requirements, fertilisation, soil water management, and erosion prevention. Students also learn about planning agricultural enterprises and the principles of agricultural mechanisation. The subject introduces basic chemistry concepts to support understanding in related fields such as Animal and Plant Production, with a focus on both South African and global small-scale farming practices.
Animal Production
This subject covers the principles of caring for and managing animals within the agricultural sector. Students explore animal anatomy and physiology, poultry, goat, and sheep production, as well as advanced animal nutrition. Higher levels introduce cattle and ostrich farming. The subject blends South African farming practices with global small-scale farming approaches.
Advanced Plant Production
This subject deals with the physiology and anatomy of plants and the establishment of vegetable and agronomic crops, as well as fruits (subtropical and deciduous). The subject covers advanced establishment practices, cultivation, crop management principles, harvesting, and post-harvest storage, enabling students to manage production processes with greater efficiency and quality control.
Agri-business
Agri-business focuses on the business side of farming and agricultural enterprises. Students will learn essential skills in basic farm accounting, entrepreneurship, data collection, costing, planning, and budget construction. At higher levels, the subject covers sustainability practices, importing and exporting, and the integrated management of small agricultural enterprises, equipping students with the tools to run profitable and sustainable agricultural businesses.