Outdoor Learning

Horticulture: A Summer Project

Introduction

When does this start and end?

At the moment we have no available dates for this academic year. We will be updating our courses later this term for 2023 – 2024 dates.

What are the entry requirements?

No formal qualifications are required. A reasonable level of mobility is required for this course, and a willingness to learn.

How much does this cost?

FREE*

* This course is fully funded for eligible students.

If you are not eligible, the cost of the course is £25.00. If you choose to stay residentially, and you are not eligible via the residential funding assessment, there will be an additional fee to pay. The vast majority of students are eligible to study and stay residentially for free and we will confirm when you apply.

Introduction

This is an introductory level course for beginners and requires no formal qualifications to apply.

Found out about Progression

Course description

Join us in the beautiful environment at Wentworth Castle on a six-week summer project.

This is very much a practical course designed to allow you to explore and experiment with the many aspects of horticulture and, hopefully, become hooked and prepared for further study and work in this area.

You will study:

The pioneers responsible for landscape design, including the estate around Northern College.
Plant biology, to learn about the needs of plants and how we can use these to ensure fertility and sustainability to feed an ever-growing population.
The effect of horticulture on the diversity of plants in different environments.
And you will learn and practice techniques designed to count plant populations over a large area, amongst many other things.

During this 5-week course you will also develop English, maths and digital skills and become more confident and effective in the way you work, and better prepared for further study and the world of work.

Course content

This course includes both outdoor and classroom sessions. Please bring suitable footwear and clothing to explore outside, dependent upon weather.

Introduction

This is an introductory level course for beginners and requires no formal qualifications to apply.

Found out about Progression

Our outdoor courses provide a great opportunity for people to learn teamwork and communications skills, and how to work on their own initiative, as well as developing new skills and knowledge. The grounds of our beautiful college provide an alternative classroom environment where you can begin your journey into education and start to feel more confident about moving on to other courses. Join us and see where you path leads you.

“I am enjoying being back in education - learning, meeting awsome people and getting my confidence back.” - Craig
Learn more about Craig's story

These courses will build key transferable skills- communication, team work, organisation all beneficial in the workplace and further study.

Absolutely loved my time at Northern College and would recommend to everyone as it's the best thing I did.

Absolutely amazing beautiful place. Can’t fault anything about. Adult education at its best.

Absolutely beautiful place to learn, stunning scenery to help set you at ease with staff and tutors that go above and beyond. I can't express how much Northern College has helped me.