Agriculture is fundamental to human survival. By studying agricultural science in Junior Secondary Schools, students learn about the importance of agriculture in providing food and other essential resources to sustain life. Students will also gain valuable insights into the vital role agriculture plays in providing food security, sustaining livelihoods, and contributing to the economy.
Agricultural Science is important for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). It provides students with essential practical skills and knowledge crucial for their further education and daily life. By understanding agricultural science, students learn to appreciate the role of agriculture in Nigeria’s economy, which promotes self-reliance and fosters entrepreneurial abilities.
Additionally, it prepares students for careers in agriculture and also teaches the importance of sustainable practices which are vital for maintaining ecological balance and tackling environmental issues.
The crowning event for Jss3 and the Junior Secondary school as a whole is the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) which is taken mid-third term. The assessment methods for Agricultural Science include written examinations, which may consist of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and essay-type questions. These exams are conducted in a controlled environment to ensure fairness and integrity.
Additionally, practical assessments may be included which assess students’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical tasks.
Furthermore, continuous assessment, which involves periodic tests, assignments, and projects conducted throughout the academic session, also contributes to the overall BECE assessment. This allows for an all-around evaluation of students’ performance and progress over time.
| LAGOS STATE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION: UNIFIED SCHEMES OF WORK FOR JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL | ||
| Agricultural Science Scheme of Work for Junior Secondary School 3(JSS3) | ||
| Class | J.S.S 3 | |
| Subject | Agricultural Science | |
| Term | First Term | |
| Week | Topic | Breakdown |
| 1 | GENERAL CLEANING AND REVISION ON ANIMAL DISEASES | I. Explain the Meaning of Animal Diseases II. Identify various Types of Diseases and their Mode of Transmission and Methods of Control |
| 2 | PACKAGING IN AGRICULTURE | I. Definition of Packaging II. Criteria for Packaging III. State the Reasons for Packaging IV. Advantages and Disadvantages of Packaging V. Examples of Packaging (Items Trays), etc . |
| 3 | BRANDING | I. Definition of Branding II. Advantages and Disadvantages of Branding |
| 4 | PRICING | I. Definition of Pricing Policies II. Factors Affecting Price of Agricultural Product III. Price determinants – Cost of Production, Quality of Produce, etc. |
| 5 | ADVERTISING | I. Definition of Advertising II. Explain the Roles of Advertising in Agriculture |
| 6 | TYPES OF ADVERTISING | State the Types of Advertising – I. Informative II. Persuasive III. Competitive IV. Mass and Specific Advertisement |
| 7 | METHODS OF ADVERTISING | I. Identify Methods of Advertising – Direct and Indirect II. Factors Influencing Buying Decision, Advertising Media i.e. the Press, Newspaper, Television, Radio, Cinema, Bill Board and Exhibition IIi. State the advantages and disadvantages of each method |
| 8 | METHODS OF ADVERTISEMENT (CONTINUATION) | |
| 9 | EXCURSION TO AN AGRICULTURAL FARM AND STORES | |
| 10 | REVISION | |
| 11-12 | EXAMINATION | |
| Term | Second Term | |
| Week | Topic | Breakdown |
| 1 | REVISION OF LAST WORK TERM’S WORK | |
| 2 | RECORDS AND BOOK KEEPING | I. Meaning of Farm Records II. State the Importance of keeping Farm Records III. List and Explain the Importance of Farm Records |
| 3 | BOOK KEEPING | I. Definition of Book Keeping – Keeping Account of Financial Activity of Enterprise II. Source of Documents – Sales Invoice, Purchase Invoice, Returns Inwards and Return Outwards III. Journal Preparation – Sales Journal, Purchase Journal, etc. |
| 4 | FARM RECORDS AND ACCOUNT (CONTINUATION) | I. Types and uses of farm records II. Farm diary, farm inventory, input records III. State the advantages and features of each |
| 5 | FARM RECORDS AND ACCOUNT (CONTINUATION) | I. Types and Uses of Farm Records II. Production Records, Consumption Records, Sales Records, Profit and Loss Account III. Computer Aided Farm – Records and Its Benefits |
| 6 | AGRICULTURE IN STOCK EXCHANGE | I. Meaning of Stock (Buying and selling of goods and services available now and in the future) II. List those Who are Involved in Stock Exchange |
| 7 | AGRICULTURE IN STOCK EXCHANGE (CONTINUATION) | I. People involved in Stock Exchange II. Buyers, Sellers, and Farmer’s Agent |
| 8 | AGRICULTURE IN STOCK EXCHANGE (CONTINUATION) | I. Importance of Stock Exchange in Agriculture II. Encourages Investment in Agriculture III. Enumerates Contract Farming |
| 9 | AGRICULTURE IN STOCK EXCHANGES (CONTINUATION) | State the Importance of Stock Exchange in Agriculture |
| 10 | REVISION/VISIT TO STOCK EXCHANGE OFFICE | Appreciate the Importance of Stock Exchange |
| 11 | REVISION | |
| 12 | EXAMINATION |
| Term | Third Term | |
| Week | Topic | Breakdown |
| 1 | REVISION OF LAST TERM’S WORK | Agriculture in the stock exchange |
| 2 | EXPORT PROMOTION IN AGRICULTURE | I. Explain what Export Promotion is II. State the Objectives of Export Promotion in International Marketing |
| 3 | EXPORT PROMOTION IN AGRICULTURE | Examples of Nigerian Export Produce – • Cocoa • Palm produce • Hides and Skins • Cassava, Groundnut • Pepper, etc. |
| 4 | EXPORT PROMOTION IN AGRICULTURE (CONTINUATION) | I. Benefits of Export Promotion II. Attracts Foreign Exchange III. Serve as Additional Market Outlet to Farmers to Earn Money, etc. |
| 5 | EXCURSION | |
| 6 | FARM WORK | I. Planting and Rearing Animals II. Experience Farm Work and Activities |
| 7 | PROJECT WORK | |
| 8-11 | REVISION | |
| 12 | EXAMINATION |
The recommended Agricultural Science textbooks for students in J.S.S.3 include:
