# Huge interest: Agriculture stays standalone at Year 11

> New Zealand schools want agriculture to remain a Year 11 subject to keep it visible for all students.
- Title: Huge interest: Agriculture stays standalone at Year 11 · RNZ
- Summary: New Zealand schools want agriculture to remain a Year 11 subject to keep it visible for all students. new zealand, agriculture, year 11 · reported by RNZ.
- Keywords: new zealand, agriculture, year 11, standalone subject, feilding high school, nze, politics, news, Huge, interest, stays, standalone
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/country/1949095/huge-interest-calls-for-agriculture-to-remain-standalone-subject-at-year-11
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-15T22:24:47+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new zealand, agriculture, year 11, standalone subject, feilding high school, nze, politics, news
## Feilding High School principal wants agriculture standalone
Feilding High School's principal Nathan Stewart wants agriculture to stay a standalone Year 11 subject to keep it visible for students.

> Feilding Agricultural High School was started in 1921 and so it's a huge part of our bones and who we are
## Agriculture offers practical learning for students
Students can train on farms for one to two days a week through Primary ITO, with over half taking it at Year 11.
## Agriculture is a key subject for rural students
Stewart says removing agriculture would reduce visibility for non-rural students, especially in towns.
## Education experts support agriculture as standalone
The Ministry of Education says Year 11 science will be compulsory, with agriculture-related learning for all students.
## ACT campaigns for agriculture to stay
ACT says removing agriculture sends the wrong message for students in towns and cities.

> over 60 percent of students taking the subject were based at urban schools
## Key takeaway

New Zealand schools want agriculture to stay a standalone Year 11 subject to ensure visibility for students from non-rural areas.