Course Summary
This course is designed for young people with a special educational need or disability with an interest in the outdoors, land-based studies and the environment. Students undertake placement activity at a local nature reserve in addition to maintaining the Aspire gardens. Working towards Horticulture & Conservation offers students the opportunity to develop their knowledge of the environment, growth cycles, land and plant maintenance, grounds-work and conservation. All Aspire curriculum promotes preparation for adulthood which includes personal independence, employment, looking after yourself in the home, travel and community cohesion.
All students will undertake work experience in our Aspire Shop, learning essential transferable skills such as customer service, problem solving, teamworking, basic finance and marketing.
Please note that ‘full time’ courses are between 16-18 hours per week and are not 5-day provision. Maths and English is taught as part of this study programme.
If your travel is provided by school, sixth-form or local authority, this will need to be reapplied for prior to starting college.
Course Content
Areas covered can include (but aren't limited to) the following:
• Communication
• Personal development
• Well-being
• Sustainability
• Independence
• Study Skills
• John Muir Award
• Land & plant study
• Conservation
• Health & safety
Course Assessment
Students are assessed through witness statements, Q&A, observation and practical application, collated as a portfolio of evidence.
Formal assessment of maths and English will take place if suitable for the student.
Materials
Small financial contribution to educational visits, when required. Personal stationery. Suitable clothing for outdoors. Steel-toe capped boots. Heavy duty gardening gloves. A waterproof coat. Light clothing for outdoor work in the warmer weather.
Qualifications
C&G Skills for Working Life Entry Level 2 or Entry Level 3
Progression
All Aspire courses are for one academic year. Progression onto further study is dependent on maintained attendance, positive records of behaviour and evidence of significant progress made within the year.
Students studying on ‘Working towards’ courses may progress into mainstream Entry to FE in an area of their interest or transfer onto Aspire’s Working towards Employment pathway which leads to a Supported Internship.
Entry Requirements
Applicants will be invited to attend a needs assessment to ensure support needs can be met. Following this, a mandatory taster session is arranged to provide transition into the area and for suitability for the programme to be assessed. If there are any concerns about suitability or our ability to meet support needs, this will be discussed with you. There are no formal entry requirements for this course.