Agric Science

Programme Overview

The Agricultural Science programme is a three-year senior high school curriculum designed to equip students with practical and theoretical knowledge in crop production, animal husbandry, soil science, and farm management. Offered under the WASSCE framework, this programme prepares students for careers in agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural extension, fisheries, and environmental management, as well as progression to tertiary studies in agricultural sciences and related disciplines. It combines classroom learning with hands-on farm experience and field work.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

Develop competence in sustainable crop and livestock production techniques
Provide foundational knowledge in soil science, plant physiology, and animal biology
Build skills in farm management, agricultural planning, and resource utilization
Foster understanding of agricultural economics and agribusiness principles
Prepare students for WASSCE examination success
Promote awareness of environmental conservation and sustainable agricultural practices
Equip students with practical skills for immediate employment in agricultural sectors
Enable progression to tertiary-level studies in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Environmental Management, and Food Science
Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation in agricultural enterprises

Practical Learning Components

The programme integrates extensive practical experience through:

School farm projects and demonstrations (crop cultivation, livestock rearing)
Soil testing, analysis, and classification exercises
Nursery management and plant propagation activities
Pest and disease identification and management practicals
Farm record keeping and financial management activities
Visits to commercial farms, agricultural research stations, and agro-processing facilities
Internships and workplace attachments in agricultural enterprises
Climate and weather data collection and analysis
Compost preparation and organic farming demonstrations
Poultry and livestock management practicals
Harvesting, sorting, grading, and storage techniques
Community engagement in agricultural extension projects
Agricultural shows and exhibitions participation

Career Pathways and Opportunities

Immediate Post-Secondary:

Farm Manager or Supervisor
Agricultural Extension Officer
Poultry or Livestock Farmer
Crop Farmer (commercial or smallholder)
Nursery/Plant Propagation Technician
Agricultural Input Supplier (seeds, fertilizers, chemicals)
Food Processing Technician
Fisheries/Aquaculture Technician
Agricultural Cooperative Officer
Agro-dealer or Agricultural Business Operator

Tertiary Education Routes:

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or Crop Science
Bachelor's degree in Animal Science or Veterinary Science
Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics or Agribusiness
Bachelor's degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture
Tertiary diploma programmes in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, or Food Processing
Environmental Science or Natural Resource Management programmes
Food Science and Technology degrees

Professional Sectors:

Government agricultural ministries and departments
Agricultural research institutions and universities
International agricultural organizations (FAO, World Bank, NGOs)
Commercial farming enterprises and agribusinesses
Agricultural input supply companies
Food processing and export companies
Fisheries and aquaculture enterprises
Forestry and environmental management organizations
Agricultural credit and financing institutions
Agricultural training and extension services
Cooperative societies and farmer associations
Agro-tourism and sustainable agriculture projects

Entry Requirements

Completion of Junior High School (JHS) with satisfactory performance
Interest in farming, agriculture, and environmental sustainability
Physical ability for farm work and outdoor activities
Basic competence in Mathematics and Science subjects at the JHS level
Access to or proximity to agricultural facilities (school farm)

Assessment and Certification

Students sit for WASSCE examinations at the end of the three-year programme in their chosen subjects. The practical components are assessed through farm projects, field work, and continuous assessment. WASSCE passes in Agricultural Science subjects are recognized for admission to agricultural tertiary institutions and provide direct pathways to farming enterprises and agricultural service organizations.

Core subjects

Subject combinations

Option 1