Coonabarabran High School got a shoutout in Sydney last week when its long-running Ag Skills Day was awarded at the Public Education Awards.

The program, aimed at giving students hands-on agricultural learning, received a Secretary’s Award for an Outstanding School Initiative at Town Hall.

The award recognises NSW public school programs and events showing commitment to teaching, learning, leadership and supporting students.

“Ag Skills has been running at Coonabarabran High School for 33 years and provides opportunities for students and presenters to share ideas and provides a hands-on learning environment targeted at giving real life application to the learning experience,” the school's relieving principal Duncan Graham said.

“Its success stems from the fact that it has continuously evolved to ensure that it best meets the needs of students.”

The day sees students attend up to ten 30-minute workshops for fields including mud brick laying, shearing, grafting fruit trees, animal husbandry and journalism, delivered by experts.

High school students get hands-on at an Ag Skills Day. PHOTO: Department of Education

It began as a venture between the school and the local Rotary Club to address gaps between school agricultural programs and skills needed in agriculture industries.

The awards, formerly the NSW Minister’s and Secretary’s Awards for Excellence, were held during Public Education Week from 5-9 August.

Up to 20 schools can receive the school initiative award each year, selected by a panel including representatives from the NSW Department of Education, the Public Education Foundation and others from the education sector.

Schools can make up to two nominations per year and have to demonstrate their measurable long-term benefits to students.

“The Public Education Awards are an important opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the amazing work of our teachers, school communities and other staff who each day work together to bring out the best in our students,” Minister for Education Prue Car said.

“This annual celebration also recognises the academic, cultural, sporting and leadership excellence of our students, as we share in their personal stories and performances.”