The WA College of Agriculture-Denmark’s reputation as one of the States foremost agricultural college’s, was brought home on Friday 20 November when Year 12 students graduated with flying honours and several desirable scholarships. Matthew Dykes was announced College Dux for the student with the highest achievement in all course areas in Year 12.

The high level of talent and leadership qualities among our students is apparent by the support given to the College’s scholarship program by both the agricultural and educational sector. The scholarship program recognises agricultural college students with a strong interest in the industry, and strives to support their growth and development within their chosen agricultural field.

Such diversity attracts several prestigious scholarships and special awards covering  – leadership, agriculture, business management and citizenship, “The encouragement that such scholarships present can’t always be measured and we thank our sponsors for their support of the program, their generosity is extraordinary”, said Acting Principal, Steve Swallow

Mr. Karl O’Callaghan, former Police Commissioner for WA for more than 13 years was guest speaker. His presentation about his personal journey, that lead him to take on a leadership role as Commissioner of Police, will stay with many of our students as they make their own choices into the future. It was a very thoughtful and enjoyable presentation, one that will strike a chord with our young graduates who are now striking out on their own, leaving the comfort of College and home to seek out their future careers.

Mr. Swallow said, “We are graduating a group of young people who don’t just have a good set of skills and knowledge and qualifications, they have a good set of values too: they’re kind, considerate and respectful.”

Below: Matthew Dykes pictured with Chris Langslow, Denmark Chamber of Commerce, receives his Award as College Dux. Former Police Commissioner WA, Karl O’Callaghan addresses the graduating body.

The WA College of Agriculture-Denmark delivers on its maxim “Excellence and innovation in agricultural education”.

Darren Scahill, Vocational Education Training Co-ordinator for the Certificate II and Certificate III in Agriculture, has introduced innovations into the training program at the College.

A new website, developed purely for students to help them to achieve their competencies, was launched earlier this year and is proving its worth as we progress through the school year.  This advanced training tool takes students through the skills and knowledge required for each unit of competency step-by-step; and clearly outlines the components of each unit. It provides written and visual media such as video demonstrations, all geared towards student training and skills development. ”It certainly was a distinct advantage during the COVID19 restrictions, providing on-line training at home.”  Said, Mr. Scahill.

Whether a student is learning to muster and move livestock, plant horticultural crops, drive a tractor or operate basic machinery and equipment they can log into the training App and access training information specific to their course of study.

“Students will also be able to complete questions that test their knowledge of competencies on-line, something that up until now, they have had to provide in writing,” said Principal Steve Swallow, about the new learning initiative. “Responses are provided in real-time so a student can easily track how they are performing in any one area.”

Students studying for the Certificate II or Certificate III in Agriculture are attaining a qualification that provides an entry level occupational outcome in agriculture, putting students from the WA College of Agriculture-Denmark ahead in the employment stakes.

Pictured: Year 11 student, Jack Wellstead using the software during class.