Agriculture
Staff
Mrs A. Lennox (Head of Department)
Department Aims
QUALIFICATIONS
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Both GCSE and A Level Agriculture qualifications are offered at Omagh Academy. Course outlines are provided below.
Key Stage 4: GCSE (CCEA)
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GCSE Agriculture and Land Use is an applied qualification in which students develop knowledge, understanding and skills through practical demonstration and/or in a context related to employability.
Key Stage 5: BTEC Agriculture (A Level Equivalent)
Course Title: Pearson Edexcel BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Agriculture
Four units to be completed over two years. This includes 75 hours of work experience with an employer in the sector, where opportunities will be given to develop practical skills in preparation for employment.
RESEARCH & INSIGHT
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The Agriculture Department at Omagh Academy is committed to providing students with up‑to‑date, relevant education about the agri‑food sector. Farm visits, expert guest speakers, educational excursions, interviews, and questionnaires form an integral part of both the GCSE and A Level courses.
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Learning is further enriched through the school’s Grassroots Agriculture Club, which supports and enhances students’ understanding of the industry.
CAREERS
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Northern Ireland has a strong rural tradition, with approximately 75% of its land used for agriculture, reflecting the importance of farming to our region’s landscape and culture. The agri‑food industry is a major contributor to Northern Ireland’s economy and remains one of its most significant employment sectors, supporting a wide range of roles across farming, food production, environmental management, and agri‑business.
Students who gain qualifications in Agriculture often progress into rewarding and diverse careers within this important industry. Typical career pathways include estate or farm management, agricultural consultancy, agricultural sales, rural surveying, agronomy, and feed nutrition.
RECOGNITION – HARPER ADAMS AWARDS
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Each year, the top GCSE and A Level Agriculture Students are presented with the Harper Adams Award by Harper Ireland Student Co-Ordinator - Basil Bayne.
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