The term ‘land based’ traditionally references businesses and activities that are linked to our environment, such as conservation, farming and food production, forestry, horticulture, landscaping, animal and equine care.
Even though we are lucky enough to live in a very rural part of the country, very few young people have the opportunity to work on the land. This course will provide them with a chance to gain some exciting new skillsets and knowledge that they can carry forward with them into the future.
This is a non exam course focusing on outdoor practical activities unless, of course, the weather is that bad we are forced to remain indoors. If that is the case, then the students will be working through a course work booklet. This will be completed using their general knowledge of the industry together with the skills they learn outdoors and their own online research.
At Kingsmead we have a small holding affectionally known as “The Farm”. It currently comprises of approximately two and a half acres of grassland, a tool store, covered yard, hay shed, chicken coup and run together with a small animal house that is currently home to our two school guinea pigs.
Students will be working to maintain the existing grassland and boundaries in addition to transforming some of the land into fenced areas, accessible pathways, bordered vegetable plots, wildflower meadows and a duck pond. They will also be installing a new poly tunnel in addition to repairing and maintaining our existing buildings and fences. They will be using a variety of hand and powered tools together with a number of different materials.
