Horticulture Horticulture The horticulture industry is diverse and offers a wide range of creative and stimulating jobs. Whilst the industry has traditionally been divided into two sectors, amenity and commercial, Writtle has concentrated on amenity horticulture which is the dominant sector in this region. Amenity horticulture focuses on how land is used and managed for public benefit ranging from historic/botanical gardens and landscape management to country parks and recreation. Writtle College has a wealth of outdoor and indoor resources which are used extensively in the teaching of horticulture and landscaping, including landscaped gardens, large tropical and temperate glasshouses, polytunnels dedicated for student use and a large amenity building, which enables practical construction tasks to be held indoors. The Horticulture Department uses a wide variety of teaching resources to deliver an enriched and fun packed learning experience, which includes extensive use of interactive whiteboards to deliver a diverse range of lessons including audience participation. Digital visualisers are used to display crystal clear images in scalable and recordable formats for viewing repeatedly. A number of digital cameras are used throughout to record student progression, video diaries and interactive CVs. All learning resources can be accessed online via the College s Virtual Learning Environment 24/7. Short Course Training Writtle College also offer a variety of short courses and workshops in this area. For further details, please contact: 01245 424286 or email: shortcourses@writtle.ac.uk In many cases our courses can be adapted for a specific group or business and delivered at the client s chosen location. For more information on bespoke training please contact our short course training advisor on 01245 424287. Some short courses are seasonal while others run throughout the year. For up to date information on dates and prices please refer to our website www.writtle.ac.uk Further Education Prospectus 2010 51
EDEXCEL (BTEC) National Certificate Horticulture Tom Parker National Certificate EDXCEL (BTEC) Horticulture What do you enjoy most about studying at Writtle College? The knowledge of the tutors, the facilities available and the support structure at the College make it an ideal place to study whatever your ability, background or chosen field. What are your career ambitions? Although the National Certificate has given me the knowledge and confidence to manage my own horticultural business I have decided to come back for a full time Horticulture Honours degree next year. After completing my chosen specialist degree my ambition is to be involved in a large horticultural organisation such as the RHS or Kew. This intensive course is made up of 12 Level 3 units and will provide you with the opportunity to gain an advanced level horticultural qualification, which is highly regarded in the industry. This programme is ideal for those looking for a career change to the horticultural industry, or access to Higher Education. One year full-time or two years part-time. Level 3 YOU WILL NEED... Standard entry is five GCSEs at grades C or above to include English, Mathematics and Science. However alternative qualifications or experience will be considered on application. Investigative Project, Business Accounting and Management, Horticultural Skills and Plant Knowledge, Plant and Soil Science, Garden Design, Machinery, Landscape Ecology, Turf, Arboriculture, Plant Propagation, Establishment and Maintenance, Landscape Construction. A top-up programme to achieve a National Diploma, or progress to a higher level qualification such as the Foundation or Honours degree in Horticulture, or work as a skilled horticulturist working for an organisation or in self-employment. 52 www.writtle.ac.uk
2010 Further Education Prospectus EDEXCEL (BTEC) National Diploma Horticulture This course is made up of 18 Level 3 units and will provide you with the opportunity to gain an advanced level qualification in a broad range of horticultural disciplines, which is highly regarded in the industry. Progress to a higher level qualification such as a Foundation or Honours degree, or find work as a skilled horticulturist working for an organisation or in self-employment. Three years full-time. Level 3 YOU WILL NEED... Standard entry is five GCSEs at grade C or above to include English, Mathematics and Science. However alternative qualifications or experience will be considered on application. Horticultural Skills and Plant Knowledge, Plant and Soil Science, Garden Design, Machinery, Landscape Ecology, Turf, Arboriculture, Plant Propagation, Establishment and Maintenance, Landscape Construction, Decorative Horticulture, Plant Use and Knowledge, Design, Investigative Project, Business Accounting and Management and Hard Landscaping. WORK PLACEMENT This is an integral part of this course. During this period you will be visited by College staff to monitor your progress in achieving the Industry Experience unit. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Key Skills: Communication, Application of Number and Information Technology. First Aid in the Workplace. A combination of practical assessments, written assignments, tests and presentations will be undertaken. Further Education Prospectus 2010 53
RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture This intensive introductory course will provide you with a solid foundation in all aspects of horticultural science, principles and technical skills to the standard of the RHS Certificate in Horticulture qualification. Daytime option: This is an extremely intensive course over a period of seven months. Evening option: This course consists of four terms of 10 sessions starting in October 2008 and finishing in December 2009. Level 2 Standard entry is two GCSEs at C or above in English and Science. However alternative qualifications or experience will be considered on application. Plant and Soil Science, Cultivation of Fruits and Vegetables, Crop Production Under Glass, Lawn Care, Cultivation and Management of Plants in Gardens, Propagation, Weeds, Pest and Diseases. Upon completion of the course students are encouraged to take the RHS external examination to receive certification from the RHS. Afterwards students can progress onto the Advanced Certificate/ Diploma. RHS Advanced Certificate/Diploma in Horticulture This course is ideal for students with the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture, or those with significant prior knowledge of horticulture. Three years part-time. Level 3 English and Science ability up to A level standard and ideally currently employed in the horticultural industry. The course covers the modules for the Advanced Certificate and Diploma as rolling programmes over three years and includes Design of Ornamental Gardens, Plant Selection Establishment and Maintenance, Ornamental Landscape Construction, Environment and Ecology, Resource Management, Genetics, Plant Breeding and Systematic Botany, Plant Physiology, Practical Horticulture and Plant Identification. The RHS Diploma in Horticulture is a modular examination involving both theoretical and practical elements. A higher level qualification such as the Master of Horticulture (RHS) or employment in the horticultural industry. 54 www.writtle.ac.uk
2010 Further Education Prospectus NPTC (City & Guilds) Practical Certificate in Gardening This course is suitable for those with a genuine enthusiasm for horticulture, who wish to develop a range of practical skills and the relevant theoretical knowledge. One year part-time (one day a week). Level 2 No formal qualifications required, just enthusiasm for the subject. Site, Soils and Cultivation, Lawns, Landscapes and Structures, Pond and Water Features and Plant Propagation. Students on this course will gain up-to-date technical skills, which can then be employed at work or in their own gardens. It is also an ideal way to meet people with similar interests. Practical work is an integral part of this course, and students will be assessed on a variety of hands-on activities, in addition to written tests. NPTC (City & Guilds) Certificate Gardening or the NPTC (City & Guilds) Advanced National Certificate Horticulture. Alternatively, you could go on to the City & Guilds in Design and Craft - Garden Design or the College Diploma in Garden Design. Further Education Prospectus 2010 55
Sports Turf This specialist area of horticulture is concerned with the establishment, maintenance and management of surfaces, turf and otherwise, used for sport and recreation. Writtle College has over 15 hectares of sports surfaces including football, tennis, golf, rugby, hockey, cricket and croquet. NPTC (City & Guilds) National Certificate Horticulture - Sports Turf This course is a technical course with practical content which reflects current industry practices. This course will provide you with the underpinning knowledge necessary for career progression in the turf industry. Two years part-time (one day a week). Level 2 Standard entry is three GCSEs at Grade D or above to include English and Mathematics. However alternative qualifications or experience will be considered on application. A suitable work placement is also required. Turf Establishment, Preparation of Surfaces for Play, Grass Identification and Turf Maintenance, Horticultural Science, Principles of Machinery, Groundsmanship, Greenkeeping, Identification of Weeds, Pests and Diseases and Tractor Operation. WORK PLACEMENT Essential for the duration of the programme. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS First Aid. Units are assessed using a range of practical activities, short answer questions, assignments and an end of year online test. Progress to a higher level qualification such as the NVQ Level 3 Sports Turf Maintenance. 56 www.writtle.ac.uk