Course modules
Year 1
Establish and maintain plants outdoors
You will learn the names of plants and gain an understanding of their needs. You will be taught different planting techniques and you will also learn basic maintenance skills including pruning, weeding and mulching.
Understand the basic principles of plant science
You will be taught in this unit about plant structures and functions: roots, shoots, leaves, phloem, xylem etc and also how plants grow and develop, photosynthesis, transpiration, osmosis and diffusion!
Undertake work related experience in the land-based industries
This unit is designed to prepare you for the world of work, not only through practical hands-on experience but also through understanding the needs and demands of the industry in which you want to work, and understanding your own abilities, strengths and self-development needs.
Construct landscape foundations and surfaces
This unit will cover the basic hard landscape construction skills including marking out different shapes and using surveying equipment, levelling, understanding how drainage and foundations are installed and also mixing and laying concrete.
Introduction to land-based machinery operations
The emphasis within this unit is on practical skills using relevant machinery covering the essential skills of operating and maintaining equipment and machinery. You will be taugth the importance of health and safety whilst operating such machinery as compact tractors, strimmers, pedestrian mowers and rotovators.
Setting out from a plan
Maintain winter and summer sports turf surfaces
A practical unit covering the construction, maintenance and repair work on a variety of structures and surfaces. You will be taught how to use a range of tools and equipment, how to maintain estate boundaries, surfaces and habitats and understand how to work safely.
Entry requirements & additional information
Entry requirements
You must be aged 16 or over and have a minimum of 2 GCSEs at grade D or above, one of which must be English Language.
Learning and assessment
Assessments will include assignments and practical work.
Progression
The vast majority of students usually progress onto the Level 3 City and Guilds Diploma Suite if they gain sufficient merits on the Level 2 Diploma.
Careers
Careers are available in the landscape sector constructing and maintaining gardens. You could also work within the public parks and heritage gardening sector.
Special requirements
Sensible outdoor clothing is expected for practical work. Steel toe-cap boots/wellingtons are essential and overalls are recommended for practical sessions. Students should also have suitable waterproof clothing for wet weather.
Extra costs which may be incurred:
· Safety boots £20 -£30
· Light outdoor clothing (waterproofs) £20-£40
· Annual summer camping trip £100
· Stationery £10 - £30
Work experience
For the Work Related Experience module, learners will be expected to seek a one day per week unpaid placement within their chosen sector during terms two and three. This placement must be approved by the College in advance and your progress will be monitored by visits from your tutor. Work placements may lead to an offer of part or full time employment for those learners who perform well on this module.