Horticulture

Horticulture at Lighthouse School

Why is it important to our students’ futures?

Horticulture provides our students with an understanding of the natural world and connection with nature. Student physically participate in their learning and are given a socially quiet time to reflect. In doing so, Horticulture can have a significant benefit to their wellbeing. Horticulture develops students’ patience and practical skills. It also supports students in appreciating naturally grown food – as part of the ‘from garden-to-plate’ strategy. This is especially important with our students who often are inclined to eat processed foods. Many students have expressed an interest in pursuing a career as a gardener or groundsperson, and the land-based studies qualification – and work experience at Temple Newsam – as a great springboard.

What does Horticulture look like in Lighthouse School?

• We have a spiral curriculum that supports our learners in retaining learning and building on concepts.
• Lessons are split between theory and practical learning (weather-allowing!). Student are given the opportunity to apply and their practical learning in the Lighthouse gardens.
• We deliver ASDAN (Entry Level) and BTEC Level 1 qualifications.
• Horticulture is over-subscribed as an Option. Students of all communication level benefit from the lessons and see it as a potential career choice.
• Horticulture links very closely with Food Tech. A lot of the food students cook with is grown on-site. This gives students a clear understanding of our natural relationship with food.
• Horticulture links closely with Science – with students embedding their understanding of the water cycle, energy cycle, food chains, biology, and humans’ impact on the environment.
• Students will participate in a Horticulture work experience in KS5 at Temple Newsam. Students develop the skills of being groundspeople and having responsibility for the upkeep of a large plot of land.

What have students gone on to achieve in the subject?

Multiple students have achieved qualifications in Horticulture and are continuing to study the subject in FE. Three students have recently changed their expressed career pathway, and are interested in now working in Horticulture following their study at Lighthouse. The students often sell items they have produced in Horticulture at school events

Horticulture Curriculum: