Our school was established in 1892 and since then it has granted a qualification to many students. We offer young people to get a lot of important knowledge and practical skills in many theoretical subjects, so that they could be successful in their future life.
The students are stimulated to have a positive attitude to the countryside and to protect the environment.
Agricultural Secondary School offers to the graduates of primary schools three branches of studies:
Horticulture
Study programme:
- Garden designing and maintenance
- Golf course maintenance
Agri- enterprising
Study programme:
- Agricultural enterprising
- Business in agriculture
- Horse breeding and riding
Natural science lycée
Branches:
- Agriculture and ecology
- Science and research
Veterinary
The students of this branch study common agricultural subjects and some special ones dealing with veterinary science such as pathology, veterinary surgery, animal diseases, hygiene etc. The future graduates will have a wide range of job opportunities, including work as veterinary assistants in vet clinics, hospitals, laboratories, in agricultural enterprises, work as veterinary inspectors etc.
The study of each branch lasts four years and the school leaving examination includes both practical and theoretical parts. The students of our school either perform their practice trainings at the school farm or at many other enterprises where they meet some up-to-date technologies. The students improve their skills in special subjects such as:
Economics and accounting, business organization, marketing and management, legislation, animal and plant production, computer science and many others.
There is also possible to obtain a car, a tractor and a lorry driving licence.
Good knowledge of foreign languages is considered to be a matter of a great importance - two main languages are taught at school – English and German. The students can learn Russian and Spanish as well. There is an opportunity for the students to develop their language abilities abroad – our school has had a long partnership with a lot of schools and organizations in foreign countries. We have collaborated since 1994 with these schools in the area of students’ exchanges, international projects and practical training placements. Therefore teaching English is variegated by the subject –“ Special English” in the third and forth forms, where professional vocabulary concerning each branch is taught.
Our graduates do not only work in agriculture but they get jobs in food production, related services, business area and many other branches. Good study results of many students lead to high number of them accepted to universities. Next year we are expecting more students entering the universities, because the graduates of a new branch - Natural science lycée - are supposed to continue in their studies at universities.
Currently, there are 331 students attending Agricultural Secondary School and 65 students of Agricultural College; the number of teaching staff is 54.
Agricultural College
Study programme:
- Agricultural enterprising
Agricultural College as a part of Agricultural Secondary School was established in 1996. The curriculum is mainly focused on agricultural subjects. The study lasts three years and it is similar to those at the universities; school year is divided into two semesters and terms of examinations. The school accepts the applicants that passed the school leaving and entrance examinations - not only from our school. After graduation exams (foreign language, special subjects, and diploma work) the students obtain the title “The certificated specialist in the agricultural enterprising. “
One of the most important parts of the study is six-month practical training abroad between the second and third forms. Both teaching and studying foreign languages- English and German is emphasized. The trainees who can speak English perform their practice in Great Britain, Finland, Norway and the Netherlands nowadays. The knowledge of German can be approved in Austria and Luxembourg. The students do not only recognize new methods used in farming abroad but they also learn about the culture and life of each country. Practical trainings are supported by means of Leonardo da Vinci (EU-Programme). That is what attracts young people from the whole Czech Republic to our school.
The graduates can work in farming where they can run any agricultural enterprise and also in related services, business area and other branches or they can go on at universities.
Accomodation, meals and school and leisure activities
There is a student hostel, a school canteen and a large gym as a part of the school. All students, it does not matter if they are from secondary level or college can use its facilities– workshops, a botanical garden, a library and a new information centre equipped with computers and the Internet. The students choose from many leisure activities, they can go to the theatre, to take part in many events dealing with ecology and the environment.
There has been a long term tradition for teachers and students to meet and celebrate some feasts during the year e.g. competing singing Christmas carols etc. Another regular event is a graduation ball not only for students, their teacher but also for pupils’ parents. This is the culmination of the studies of four years of hard work.
Drug prevention is a matter of great importance and that is why we arrange some lectures and discussions.
Excursions
The school organizes plenty of excursions for the students. From shorter ones the most popular excursions are those to Vienna, Dresden. There are also many events organized for specialists in agriculture, the students can visit – Gruene Woche in Berlin, Techagro etc.
More days lasting trips have recently been to France for the students dealing with gardening and study stays in England for the Lycée students.
Competitions
Our students have taken part in various school, regional or republic competitions.
There have recently been many successful results the school is proud of- competitions in horticulture and agricultural skills and knowledge.
Practical training abroad
There is a possibility for our students to perform their practice abroad. The students meet new technologies, improve their language abilities and make new friends.
The practical training is enabled due to a great help of our partner schools and organizations abroad and the grant from EU through Leonardo da Vinci Mobility. The financial support is for both students of secondary level and college. The younger trainees are abroad for a shorter time, usually from 4 to 8 weeks.
Europea
In 2005 our school became a member of EUROPEA- Association of Agricultural Education in Europe and was established as a national coordinator for the Czech Republic.
In 2009 we organized the EUROPEA conference where delegates from 24 countries participated.
At the same time there was a florist competition for the students of EUROPEA member schools. There were following disciplines:
Arranging of dry and live material, wedding bouquets and knowledge competition
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Vyšší odborná škola a Střední zemědělská škola, Benešov Mendelova 131 256 01 Benešov, Czech Republic |
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