Community in Focus: Finley High School

The Finley High School agricultural program is one of the most highly regarded of its type across Australia.

It has been developed over a quarter of a century, and continues to be the catalyst for a career in agriculture for many of the district’s young people.

The agriculture learning environment and programs at Finley High School have provided a wide range of students from diverse backgrounds and abilities the opportunity to participate, explore and enjoy the challenges and rewards of agriculture.

From this program, Finley High has helped influence the career paths of many students to be rural supply merchants, agronomists, agriculture teachers, farmers, jillaroos, jackaroos, engineers, scientists, stock agents, mechanics, commodity traders and analysts, a regional certification standards coordinator, post-doctoral research fellows and more.   

The ‘ag plot’, as it is fondly called, continues to be developed and now includes a Shorthorn Cattle Stud, Poll Dorset Sheep Stud, poultry, bees and a variety of horticultural crops. 

It provides the students with hands-on experience to build their skills and knowledge of animal husbandry, cultivation and harvesting of horticultural crops, as well as the maintenance and operation of machinery. 

Students actively participate in the handling and management of livestock, with activities that include drenching, vaccinating, viewing artificial insemination, droving, clipping, weighing and data collection.

They are also involved in establishing trials with animals, examining growth and development. 

Additionally, the school prepares up to 18 steers donated by local studs and farmers for judging at the Royal Melbourne Show in a ‘Hook and Hoof’ carcase competition. 

In all these shows and competitions, Finley High School has been recognised on numerous occasions as ‘Most Successful School’, while individual students have won recognition for both their parading and judging skills.

The school has won numerous awards, even when competing against some of Australia’s best known Shorthorn and Poll Dorset Studs. 

A great example of this success was at the 2023 Royal Melbourne Show, when the school clinched the championship prize in both the Interbreed Ram and Ewe competitions. Agriculture teacher, Robyn O’Leary, described the moment as “a bit of a pinnacle of our career … we were pretty stoked”.

Robyn and fellow ag teacher, Gary Webb, take immense pride in their role with the agricultural program.

Robyn attributes the school’s success at last year's Royal Melbourne Show to the great partnership the school has built with other sheep studs, and the tireless work put in by the agricultural staff.

"It’s giving them something they can enjoy," he said.

"Being able to do something they are passionate about gives them a great reason to turn up and enjoy school.”

The agriculture program is more than just feeding and caring for animals. Students also research history, learn about the safe operation of farm machinery, environmental issues, sustainable practices, biosecurity and the key elements of production across a range of commodities.

School principal Jeff Ward, the son of a Blighty dairy farmer, is a big supporter of the agricultural program and the learnings that happen outside the traditional classroom. And he is full of praise for the teachers behind it, especially the roles played by Robyn and Gary.

“Good schools evolve through committed teachers,” Jeff said, before adding that the school's agriculture program provides students with invaluable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of sustainable farming practices. 

“This program sets students up with essential leadership, mentoring, teamwork and care in working with animals and, most importantly, is the prelude to a life in agriculture, which is so essential for rural communities like Finley," he said. 

“Many of our students study aspects of agriculture at university or TAFE. As an educator we emit enormous pride when students want to become agriculture teachers, just like Robyn and Gary. 

“The students appreciate the community and school support, and the opportunity to be involved in this unique agricultural education; this is evident by the large groups of students who enrol in the program, turning up at lunchtime, after school, weekends and holidays, with many of these days starting as early as 4.30am.” 

Finley High School’s agricultural team at the Finley Show in September 2024.

Niamh Mason is a former Finley High agriculture student now studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at University of Queensland, Gatton.

“I studied agriculture at FHS from Year 7 until Year 12, and the exposure and skills I gained from this experience have been invaluable,” Niamh said.

“I was exposed not only to basic cattle and sheep handling, but also to new technologies, people and career paths that I never would have considered if not for the ag program and the teachers. 

“The knowledge I gained in my ag classes covered many industries and commodities, and helped me to develop deep critical thinking and problem-solving skills that I have taken with me post high school. 

“Throughout my time at Finley High I was also a part of the show team, which was one of my favourite aspects of high school. The team gave me purpose and helped me to understand the importance of commitment and dedication, both in school and out.” 

“In later years of high school it was so rewarding to not only be able to take a beast from the paddock to the show ring, but also to help younger students with the skills I had learned. 

"I strongly believe that without the ag experience at Finley High, I would not have considered a career in agriculture and gone on to study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at university. 

“Finley and Finley High School are so lucky to have such an incredible program led by such dedicated teachers and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities that studying agriculture has rewarded me,” Niamh added.

The agricultural program’s continued success requires ongoing development at the ‘ag plot’, which is supported by the school’s P&C Committee. It raises funds to create opportunities for all students, helping them to thrive in an ever-changing world.

The P&C’s primary source of fundraising is through the school canteen, which also services the local Finley Primary Schools with lunch orders.

The P&C also coordinates the sale of the school’s uniform, regularly conducts raffles and caters for local community events such as the Jerilderie Apex Dog Auction, to help generate funds.

It also seeks support from external organisations to ensure the school is developing the facilities it requires.

The P&C’s current major project is developing an ‘Outdoor Learning and Education Hub’ within the ag plot. The aim is to provide a fully equipped classroom environment for students and staff to further enhance the safety and comfort to deliver the extensive and expanding agriculture program.