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Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies in Agriculture and Horticulture - Level 1 September startApply Now »
Location: Broomfield Hall
Years: 1
Interview: Y
Course Summary
This course is a fascinating introduction to a career in the land-based industry, with special emphasis on agriculture or horticulture. It gives you the chance to gain skills in areas such as animal husbandry and estates maintenance. As well as learning about the land-based industry, you will develop your literacy and numeracy skills.
Entry requirements
You should have grades E-G (1-2) at GCSE and a sound interest in agriculture and horticulture.
You will have an interview and initial assessment. Parents and carers are welcome to attend the interview, but not the initial assessment.
If you are a mature learner, we may be able to take into account your previous experience in your chosen subject.
Course Content
The course will cover:
- Use safe and effective working practices in land-based industries
- Develop performance in land-based industries
- Use transport and assist with maintenance of tools and equipment
- Assist with the care of animals
- Assist with the movement, handling and accommodation of animals
- Carry out tractor operations
- Introduction to crop systems
You will also work towards Functional Skills in Literacy, Numeracy and IT (if you do not have these at GCSE grade C/4 or above).
You will also have the opportunity to complete a tractor driving NPTC test. The test fee only will be payable, with all the training being included in the course.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments are carried out using a series of practical tasks and questions. There will also be some written assignment work and tests. You will be required to complete a portfolio of evidence.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
You will be required to supply your own:
- Steel toe-capped boots or wellingtons
- Derby College Group overalls (these will be available to purchase at enrolment)
- Derby College Group uniform
- Outdoor clothing
- Writing materials
What can I do after this course?
If you do well in your studies, it may be possible to progress to a Level 2 Intermediate Diploma in Agriculture or Horticulture. However, you must have a minimum of a Merit grade to progress.
Derby College Group offers a range of one-day, weekend and evening courses relating to Agriculture and Horticulture, as well as a wide range of other land-based topics - please see the Derby College Group Part-time Prospectus for a full list and details.
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Daniel Wall
Trainee alpaca shearer Daniel sets out on his next life adventure
Trainee alpaca shearer Daniel Wall says the teaching and mentoring he received at Broomfield Hall has prepared him for his next adventure in life.
Daniel, who is 20, recently left DCG after completing his level 3 Agriculture course with distinction. He is now working alongside an experienced specialist alpaca shearer near his hometown of Redcar, with his job taking him to alpaca farms all over the UK.
Shearing alpacas – unlike shearing sheep – is a two-person job, and at around 15 minutes per animal, it takes five times as long. The shearing method is also quite different – alpacas have to be rolled onto their sides – and Daniel is grateful to Broomfield Hall for letting him practise his shearing technique.
He said: “The Broomfield Hall college and facilities are lovely and my lecturers have been great. They helped me achieve the best grade I could. They never failed to teach us something new every lesson and gave us valuable life knowledge. I’m lucky to have had them teaching and mentoring me as they’ve enabled me to start my next adventure in life.”
Daniel is keen to return to College to talk to students about his time there and has offered to help shear Broomfield’s alpacas next year.
As well as two “brilliant” college trips to the Zetor tractor factory in the Czech Republic, Daniel also listed the “togetherness” of the agriculture students as one of the highlights of College life.
He added: “Although we were taught separately, students doing levels 1, 2 and 3 mixed with each other. Broomfield Hall felt like one big family and I think that’s important in an education establishment.”
“The Broomfield Hall college and facilities are lovely and my lecturers have been great. They helped me achieve the best grade I could. They never failed to teach us something new every lesson and gave us valuable life knowledge. I’m lucky to have had them teaching and mentoring me as they’ve enabled me to start my next adventure in life.”
