Agri Aware seek commissioner

AGRI Aware is seeking the appointment of a dedicated agricultural science examination and assessment commissioner.

It said the State Examinations Commission, under the auspices of the Department of Education, intends to recruit an examinations and assessment manager for biology.

The present incumbent, who is responsible for both agricultural science and biology, retires in May.

Agri Aware chairman Mairead Lavery said she was deeply concerned that the advertised role and detailed job description doesn’t even make mention of agricultural science.

“Participation rates have grown by over 60% since the last appointment and it is proving very popular, with over 8,000 students who study the subject.

“This group needs its own representation on top-level committees,” she said.

Ms Lavery also stressed that the new individual appointed to the role must have an understanding and skill set that reflects both the needs of modern farming and the agri-food industry.

“Students must be equipped with the knowledge in order to lead our industry into the future”, she said.

Ms Lavery said that she has written to the chairman of the State Exams Commission to highlight her concerns about the appointment and to outline the need to update the agricultural science syllabus.