Course Overview
Horticulture is the industry and science of plant cultivation including the process of designing, preparing, planting and growing from seed and cuttings. Horticulturists work in a variety of outdoor settings and their use creativity and knowledge in a range of specialisms such as nursery production, garden centres, landscaping gardening, crop production and public and heritage gardens. It has recently been reported that there is a shortage of workers with skills in horticulture sector.
For the equivalent of two days a week you will be working on the practical elements of the course where you will learn by building skills and professional techniques and knowledge working on developing and maintaining college grounds. You will be required to work as a team and develop your own personal skills as well as gain an understanding of background theory that you can put into practice. You will also develop your skills in maths and English delivered by specialist staff.
There will also be an opportunity to complete a period of work experience.
What You Will Study
This study programme will cover a range of the topics and units at each level, some of which are listed below:
- How to Prepare New Gound for Panting
- Improving Soil Structure and Qality
- Planting Container Grown and Bare Root Plants and Trees
- How to Care for a Planted Area or Border
- Create Containers for Seasonal Display
- Grow Fruit and Vegetables
- Propagate Plants by Seed Indoors and Directly Outside
- Know How to Make New plants by Different Types of Cuttings
- Propagate New Plants by Grafting
- Create and Work Independently on Your Own Garden Projects
- Design a Garden and Produce a Plan
- Use Garden Power Tools Safely
- How You Will Be Assessed
Theory assessment will be short-answer questions and there will be observed practical assessments.
- Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at Grade 9-3.
OR
Level 1 Horticulture qualification.
- Further Study
On successful completion and with the required English and Maths grades you can progress through the levels.
