The Practical Skills Department offers diverse activities where students work at their own ability level and are involved in group activities that develop confidence. The department has a special role in helping people to develop a general vocational awareness whilst encouraging individual, practical and social skills.

Practical Woodwork activities can be of a light nature, including nest boxes, CD racks and bird feeders. Students also have the opportunity of getting involved in real work situations, such as working on the new goat house, a decked area and a small bridge located within the department garden.

Craft and Design offers the opportunity to experience a range of creative media, including candlemaking, enamelling, salt dough and soap making. Learners are introduced to the basic techniques and encouraged to be creative, experimenting with colour, pattern and shape.

Animal Care/Practical Gardening offers the chance to gain knowledge of basic animal care by looking after a selection of small animals within the department garden. In addition, practical gardening provides the opportunity to acquire domestic gardening skills, including design, development and maintenance.

Castings and Design provides the option to practise creative skills in light stonecast modelling through to the more ambitious concrete and stoneware garden ornaments.

Recycling is a hands-on activity promoting environmental awareness. Students are directly involved in the collection and recycling of paper, cans, plastic and cardboard within the campus.

Art Support incorporates innovative techniques to enhance a learner's creativity, using a variety of media to shape, colour and inspire unique ornamental features for the garden or home.

ICT Workshop covers a range of multi-media activities. Students use their IT skills to produce our department newsletter.

The Practical Skills Department offers certification in:

• Basic Health and Safety
• NCFE Personal Development Pre-Entry Level
• NCFE Personal Development Entry Level
• NPTC Skills for Working Life Animal Care/Poultry