Hawkesbury selective agricultural school to launch in 2021

A new selective school opening in Sydney’s northwest next year is set to revolutionise the way we teach agriculture to farmers of the future.

Natasha Zahra with fallow deer, Fred, at Western Sydney University. Picture: Justin Lloyd

• Man charged with sexual touching at concert remains on bail
• Brain surgeon’s daughter, Nicola Teo’s case returns to court

A new agriculture centre of excellence and selective high school in Sydney’s northwest will train the “next generation of farming specialists” from next year.

The new Hawkesbury agricultural school, which will be based at Richmond High and Western Sydney University, will be operational from 2021.

Hawkesbury state Liberal MP Robyn Preston revealed the new Agricultural Education Centre of Excellence will include a purpose-built residential facility for up to 80 students.

Western Sydney University will provide teaching spaces for agriculture students from Richmond High and Hurlstone Agricultural High, as well as teacher training for TAFE and overseas students.

Robyn Preston with NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell at Richmond.

“Richmond High School will have both an agricultural specialty stream and a new

academically selective stream along with a new school block and refurbishment of school

facilities,” Ms Preston said. “This gives Hawkesbury families a local choice in agricultural education and will ensure that the Year 7 student intake will commence in 2021. It will also attract students, teachers and specialists from beyond Hawkesbury with the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Education.”

Australia's largest food research glasshouse at Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury campus. Agriculture and food degree student Alana Griffiths with the rows of capsicum plants growing in the glasshouse. Picture: Dylan Robinson

Ms Preston said the Hawkesbury selective school “provides hope and education for the farming industries of the future”.

“It will serve Hawkesbury as a leading agricultural hub to study, work and live in by offering

better educational pathways for students from all across the country and overseas.”

Crestwood High School students with Western Sydney University Animal Science student Alana Wade Picture: Sally Tsoutas

It was long believed that Hurlstone Agricultural School would be relocated to the Hawkesbury Western Sydney University campus, with the State Government originally proposing the new school would open to students this year.