Horticulture

This department is an ideal training environment for students wishing to pursue a horticultural career. It has a well-deserved reputation for innovation and is continually updating its range of learning opportunities. The department currently offers the students the opportunity of gaining accreditation by undertaking a Horticultural Skills course, NVQ Level 1 Commercial Horticulture course, NPTC Skills for Working Life or OCN units. To supplement this, all students work on their Basic Skills objectives within the department. There is a strong emphasis on practical work covering all aspects of horticulture for all abilities.

Students are involved in stocking the College Garden Centre with plants, which is open to the public.

The recent acquisition of a new production glasshouse has helped the students to understand the importance and process of growing plants from seed to selling them in the garden shop.

'McGregor's Patch' is an allotment area where students can be involved in growing organic vegetables and can understand how these can be essential for staying healthy. The department has recently made a link with 'Young's Farm Shop' as it is responsible for supplying the shop with vegetables from the recently constructed vegetable production area behind the Retail Department. This area is an excellent work place where students work with a specialist gardener on a work experience basis learning how to grow fruit and vegetables. 

Students may also work in the large walled garden area, which constantly changes with the seasons, and can be involved in growing a wide range of plants with alternative uses, such as medicinal, herbal and culinary plants and vegetables.

The department has purpose-built facilities, including raised beds, which allow students in wheelchairs to gain gardening experience. A large production glasshous, retail greenhouse and sales area are also accessible to students who use wheelchairs.

The staff actively promotes the department in the community, attending a range of events. Recently we have had a very successful Team Enterprise Company who has attended trade fairs in Telford, Shrewsbury and Stratford Upon Avon. In 2007 we were voted best team company in Shropshire and attended the regional West Midlands finals at Aston Villa F.C.

The Horticulture Department offers certification in:

Horticultural Skills (9352)
NPTC Skills For Working Life
NVQ Commercial Horticulture Level 1
OCN Units in Horticulture