Year nine agriculture and horticulture students jumped at the opportunity to gain some hands on learning.

Agriculture and Horticulture teacher James Cronin said the program has seen a high engagement and enthusiasm in learning.

“They’ve been very keen, knowing the chickens are coming,” he said

“The whole class is here today and they’re excited to come down and sacrifice their lunch to have a look at them, so it’s a great initiative it gets the kids involved and we can really accentuate the positives of the poultry industry”

“They get to indulge their competitive side too”

The competition is organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Poultry and Pigeon Committee, with poultry brand Steggles supplying and delivering the 12 week-old Commercial Meat Bird chicks to the schools

Only the top 12 birds in the state will make the cut to be displayed at the show, as judged by a representative from the commercial industry, and the Hennessy Catholic College kids are determined to give it their best shot.

In preparation for the arrival of the chicks, students even built an incubator from an old television. 

Agriculture student Bonnie King, 14, said that as well as being a lot of fun, the program is giving them valuable real world experience.

“We learnt how big they get and how they grow them in a proper environment that makes them grow really well,” she said.

“The whole chicken industry is one of the biggest in Australia and the whole production of chickens is just huge.

“It’s just something different and a new experience, just something I wouldn’t normally do.”

The competition is in its seventh year, however it’s the first year the school has participated.