At Key Stage 5 we offer a BTEC Level1 in Landbased Studies at Award, Certificate and Diploma level, depending on how long students study on the course. This practical qualification has been designed to help learners gain the skills they need to work in the land-based sector. A wide range of units are available covering horticulture, agriculture and animal care.

We visit a wide variety of locations including garden centres, community gardens and small holdings as well as inviting guests to speak and give demonstrations. The course is designed to help learners develop an understanding of the vocational context of the course and future employment opportunities.

In previous years we have worked on a regular basis at Rosemary’s Garden in Wigan and at Hindley Station Community Garden, tending the raised beds. More recently we have been concentrating on the outside areas within the school grounds and have developed the growing areas in the allotment and polytunnel. Any produce we grow successfully is harvested and offered for sale to all school attendees.

We are hoping to become more involved with the ‘In Bloom’ groups and the aim is to take part in the competition ourselves in the next few years.