The NSW Department of Education has continued its run of exhibitions at agricultural field days by showcasing public education in rural and remote communities with a site at Henty on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Regional, Rural and Remote Education Policy Unit executive director Ben Ballard said agricultural events were a great opportunity to have meaningful conversations about the importance of country schools.

“Henty is just one of many great agricultural events we are heading to this year and follows on from AgQuip Field Days in Gunnedah last month,” Mr Ballard said.

“I know how important education is in country communities and it will be great to showcase all the public educational opportunities available in NSW at this year’s event.

“There are about 1000 rural and remote schools across NSW which make up more than 40 per cent of all public schools in the state and it is our priority to ensure every child in NSW has access to the same quality education as their metropolitan peers.”

Student work from Oakland Central School was on display at the NSW Education site, along with representatives from virtual selective school Aurora College as well as Rural and Distance Education.

“For us these field days are all about talking to regional, rural and remote communities about public education, showcasing the great things happening in our schools and the teaching and learning opportunities on offer,” Mr Ballard said.

“It is also a great opportunity to listen to the communities and receive feedback to help guide future direction for regional schools.”

The department will not exhibit on the third day of the field days at Henty due to the national public holiday honoring Queen Elizabeth II.

The department will continue to attend agricultural field days across the state in the coming months, including the Australian National Field Days in Orange in October and Primex in Casino in November.