We have been given a very special opportunity to attend the Clash of the Colleges competition at Telford Polytechnic on Thursday 4^th September between 9 and 1pm.  We have never entered this competition in the past. More information can be gained from looking at their website https://agrifutures.kiwi/event/southland-otago/

A few quotes from the event. “We aim to motivate, support, and empower young people to pursue rewarding food and fibre careers. We do this by bringing experts and tools to the table and a bit of celeb with our emcee and Southland local, Tangaroa Walker.”

Participating in the Clash of the Colleges is not just about fun and games. It’s about encouraging teenagers to improve their skills and have a lot of fun doing it. It’s an opportunity to unite teens focused on a food and fibre career path, providing them with a unique platform to learn, compete, and network.

‌Clash of the Colleges is a fast-paced, amazing race-style competition that offers students hands-on experience in various aspects of the rural sector. Students work in teams of four to complete 16 hands-on modules within one-and-a-half-hour. The modules are run by experts in their field and members of local Young Farmer Clubs.

‌Modules include Artificial Insemination, ATV safety and wheel change, Tree Identification, Attaching an Insulator, Break Fencing, Irrigation Offal Identification, Feeds and Weeds, Drenching, Handpiece Setup, Wool Identification through to Gumboot Throwing, Sulky Racing, Thoroughbred Racing Springer Horse riding and more.

 Details:

• Time: 9 am – 1 pm
• Date: Thursday 4^th September 2025
• Transport: To be confirmed depending on numbers
• Teams: 4 students per team
• Clothing and Equipment Required: mufti
• Cost: no charge for students to attend as covered by the agriculture department
• Venue: Telford Polytechnic, 498 Owaka Highway, Balclutha
• Exams: This one-off event is occurring during our derived grade exam week. Students will need to reschedule their exams for this day and sit them on an alternative day pre organised with Mrs Pirini.

Each student will get the most out of this incredible opportunity.  If for some reason an accident does happen, Telford, or a parent accompanying the group will ring Mrs Young immediately and she will contact the parents involved.

This event contains risks as the students move through the 16 modules. But there is a safety briefing, and all precautions are taken to minimise any incidents.  This event is managed by school staff who will manage risk and hazards according to the school’s safety management plan.  This includes careful use of appropriate nonslip footwear, walking carefully, listening and following instructions particularly during the safety briefing. While risks can be maintained to acceptable levels they cannot be eliminated.  Some risk is retained for its learning and experiential value.  If you wish to come in to school to see our safety management systems or have any questions, feel free to contact Mel Young on 03 2116030 or [email protected]

It is important for safety reasons that students follow instructions given to them by all staff and follow all appropriate school rules. Behaviour by students that is deemed dangerous and puts themselves and/or others at undue risk will result in your child being picked up by a caregiver and not attending further Year 12 Agriculture trips this year.

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I give my child permission to participate in the Clash of the Colleges.

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