This provision is now suspended as there was insufficient uptake. At some time in the future it may be possible  to be relaunched depending on adequate sponsorship & finances, support,  agency or other supervision/liaison, manpower and time availability. However, each application will be assessed on its merits.

Introduction

We can sometimes take a wrong direction in life, or  just can't seem to get on,  or make the most of our chances. Sometimes individuals have difficulty at school, not have much confidence. There are many factors leading an individual to  seem to have no direction or be unsure as to what they want to do. Or find an outlet for their energies or innate abilities.

I came from humble  origins, but was lucky to have a couple of role models/mentors who noticed sparks of aptitudes  and nurtured my enthusiasm. 

This programme  has been created for unemployed people age 18-25 (and by arrangement with parents those age 16-18).

What The Programme Provides

• Learning various skills.
• Improving; confidence building.
• Communication.
• Work ethic.
• Initiative and responsibility.
• Citizen ethos. 

The atmosphere in non-formal and supportive.  No previous experience is required. The atmosphere is non-formal. Calm and supportive. However the students is guided to enable:  self-discipline, competence,  communication skills, responsibility 

Goal and  Structure

The education is informal. It does not offer a recognised qualification. It is not meant to provide such. Neither does it fit into standard educational courses. It is designed to reach out to those not yet able to find what they are looking for.

However it is able to provide a skill base for those who may wish to seek a job in this category. Example: a 17 year old student came (after parent meetings) to us 4 hours a week for 10 months knowing nothing. On applying for an official apprenticeship at a major private House & Garden estate he was immediately accepted by the head gardener of a large estate who remarked on what he had learnt with us. 

Objective

The objects of each Course is to enrich the students and advance his/her skills and learning in the following ways:

• To provide the student with a far ranging introduction to the overall subject irrespective of previous experience or knowledge.  
• To provide a range of skills in said subject.  
• To provide a level of competence in the said subject.
• To provide general skills of educational competency, research,  study technique, note taking, composition, project formulation and so on.
• To develop self confidence and self-reliance, reliability.
• To develop  a sense of having purpose in life and a stake in society.

Teaching Protocols

The student is given all the necessary documents (e.g. Risk Assessment; Course Syllabus;  Code of Conduct; Rights & Responsibilities; Health & Safety; Trust Guide; Garden Guide; Education Schema; Education Plan;  Garden Library Inventory etc).

Student is not left alone but supervised at all times.  The student cannot use any power tools.  

There is firstly an introduction to a subject/activity, which is then demonstrated. The student is then asked to carry out this task for a period of time (e.g. trim cuttings, apply rooting powder, pot-up). After the task student asked to give views & ask questions. Then explained what happens in a follow up procedure (e.g. potting on, planting out). The student is encouraged to take notes and to follow up experience via reading in the Library.

The student is required to take regular tea breaks with teacher.

The theory & practice of every activity for the  day is  explained. In each session also general tour/overview of garden undertaken to discuss plants/landscape/seasonal unfolding & maintenance.

Indoor study area + library during inclement weather.

Enquiry Form

To find out more  just drop us a short letter on this form telling us something about yourself