Young gardeners get the plot

Pupils from Watermill School in Stoke on Trent have been learning horticultural skills as part of our successful Vocational Opportunities Programme for 14 to 16 year-olds.

We have worked in partnership with Watermill, which caters for pupils with needs related to cognition and learning, for around six years. It is always a pleasure to welcome these pupils on site, as they respond so positively to learning practical skills out of doors.

Many successfully gain their City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills and a few have progressed onto one of our Foundation programmes.

Said Reaseheath’s Pre-16 Learning Manager Graham Morgan: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people in their final two years at school to receive a practical, work-related experience as part of the Key Stage 4 curriculum. It’s an opportunity for them to do something different from the subjects they are offered at school and to benefit from the facilities and expertise which Reaseheath can offer.’’

A total of over 300 school pupils aged between 14 and 16 study at Reaseheath on a weekly basis on our Vocational Opportunities Programme. They can choose to study horse care, horticulture, agriculture, construction, motor vehicle, animal care, food studies or adventure sports while continuing to study for conventional GCSEs.

For more information on our courses for students aged 14-16 visit: www.reaseheath.ac.uk/14-16-students.