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.
You will learn by building up skills, professional techniques and knowledge by working in teams in a realistic horticulture environment that includes polytunnels, gardens, borders, planting containers and lawns. Class based lessons will give you a full understanding of the theory of horticulture and expand your knowledge for assessments. During the course of the academic year, you will be involved in relevant industry visits.
Please Note: Work placement opportunities will be available.
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 Soil and Mulching
- Planting
- Designing Gardens
- Effective Watering
- Soil PH and Structure
- Planting Hanging Baskets and Containers
- Creating Displays from Bulbs
- Caring for Planted Areas
- Making New Plants from Seeds and Cuttings
- Growing Fruit and Vegetables
- Supporting Plants Effectively
- Painting and Preserving Wooden Structures
- Potting Up and Growing on Plants
- Identify Plants and Weeds
- Cutting Grass Safely
- How You Will Be Assessed
Theory assessment will be short-answer questions and there will be observed practical assessments.
- Entry Requirements
3 GCSE's at Grade 9-1.
- Further Study
On successful completion and with the required English and Maths grades you can progress through the levels.
