Source: Radio New Zealand
[picture id=”4JR9I4E_CLife_PIA_Chase_Whitelock_JPG” crop=”16×10″ layout=”thumbnail”] RNZ/Anisha Satya
Putting up fences, riding farm bikes and wielding chainsaws – responsibly, of course – are part of the curriculum for a course at Geraldine High School.
It’s called the Primary Industries Academy (PIA), and aims to teach students skills that translate into real-world farming jobs.
“All our units of work are NCEA but they’re unit standard,” head of department Sarah Foley-Smith said, “Which means that they’ve been written by industry for industry.”
Geraldine High School’s Primary Industries Academy coordinator Sarah Foley-Smith. RNZ/Anisha Satya
Follow Country Life on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart or wherever you get your podcasts.
PIA, a course offered for Years 11, 12 and 13, is part of the Trades Academy through Primary ITO (Industry Training Organisations).
The course loops in industry businesses and experts, like Struan Moore from Strainrite Fencing, who share their expertise in a hands-on way.
” help a little bit with the coaching, mainly with the wire work,” Moore said.
He and fellow fencer Dan Douglass were on site, helping students put strainer fence posts in the ground, when Country Life visited.
Fencing contractors Dan Douglas (left) and Streuan Moore say the Academy helps students leave school with the know-how and physical skills for farm work. RNZ/Anisha Satya
Moore said PIA students had the know-how and capability to become contract fencers after school.
“They could go and work at any fencing contractor.”
He attributes that success to Foley-Smith’s teaching style.
“The kids respond to her in a way that they achieve.
“I’ve actually heard from some parents that the sole reason their children stayed at school was because of the academy.”
Similar praise rings from the courses’ students, such as 15-year-old Sophia McDonald.
15 year old Sophia McDonald is training for the Silver Staples, a fencing competition. RNZ/Anisha Satya
“It’s helped me a lot, because last year I was a bit naughty and all that.
“I was actually going to drop out next year, but I’m going to stay, because I like PIA.”
McDonald is one of several students who will head north for this year’s Fieldays to compete in the Silver Staples, a fencing competition that the school won in 2025.
Like most PIA students, she enjoyed the practical work and getting outdoors.
Year 12 students Shikayla Blair, 16 (left) and Maisie Hancox, 16, making sure their fence post is level. RNZ/Anisha Satya
The course is selected-entry. Hopeful Year 10s send in a written application, partake in a practical interview and attend a sit-down meeting with their parents.
Foley-Smith said selections are less focused on excellence, and more on teamwork and persistence.
“A lot of my students probably would normally leave school [by] end of Year 11,” she said.
“It’s just nice if we can keep them at school and they can actually grow up; that’s the big thing about remaining at school until Year 13.”
Fastening a fence egg to a post takes skill, strength… and patience, something the students are working on. RNZ/Anisha Satya
Learn more:
- Learn more about Geraldine High School’s Primary Industries Academy here.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
