School of Heritage Gardening - nts.org.uk · Year 2: Threave Garden Modules3 1. Practical professional gardening skills (continued from year one) 2. Budgets: Preparation, Negotiation

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School of Heritage Gardening

Cultivating the art, craft and science of practical horticulture

Course information & application pack

School of Heritage Gardening Cultivating the art, craft and science of practical horticulture


Cultivating the art, craft and science of practical horticulture

Contents

Course Information

Introduction ............................................................................................... 4

Training Locations .................................................................................... 7

Course Details ............................................................................................ 9

Bursaries & Accommodation ................................................................. 11

Applications Closing Date ...................................................................... 11

Certificate in Heritage Gardening Syllabus ......................................... 12

Assignments & Assessments ................................................................ 14

Diploma in Heritage Gardening Syllabus ............................................. 14

Contact Us ................................................................................................ 15

Application Form……………………………….………………………………………..16

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Course Information

Introduction

The School of Heritage Gardening at Threave (est. 1960) is unique in Scotland. It is

one of only a few centres of horticultural education in the United Kingdom to offer

such a firm grounding in the theory and practice of gardening. The School aspires to

forge new generations of expert gardeners who feel confident and knowledgeable in

their craft, and who will not only lead the field, but innovate and inspire.

Students learn skills such as pruning, border maintenance, glasshouse cultivation

and fruit and vegetable cultivation to professional standards. They improve their

plant identification skills and learn how to use tools and machinery correctly to

industry standard.

We take students with an academic horticultural qualification or proven practical

experience and turn them into employable professionals by designing our courses

to ensure each student has a great deal of practical tuition and gains experience

throughout the spring, summer, autumn and winter in a wide range of skills.


Our staff are seasoned experts in their fields, who have experience of working in a

wide range of gardens. As part of the course, students are required to undertake

practical assessments of the skills in which they have been trained, carry out regular

plant identification tests and a number of course work assignments to enhance the

practical training. Upon successful completion of the practical assessments and

assignments which form the first year of the course, students are awarded the

Threave Certificate in Practical Heritage Gardening, and the RHS Level 2

Certificate in Practical Horticulture. Should students successfully complete the

Threave Certificate they may be invited to apply for a second year of study, after

which they are awarded the Threave Diploma in Practical Heritage Gardening

and the RHS Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture.

The School of Heritage Gardening’s practical courses are offered at Threave

Garden covering all the heritage and modern craft skills necessary to back up the

artistic and scientific knowledge gained in an academic qualification in horticulture.

Please contact us to discuss any of the information in this pack by emailing

[email protected].

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Staff and students at Threave

mailto:[email protected]

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Why Study with Us?

For many of our students, life with the National Trust for Scotland has not

ended upon graduation. The Trust has always been keen to retain and nurture

talent, and many graduating students have gone on to work in many of our

wonderful and varied gardens throughout Scotland. From small formal gardens

to large estates, walled gardens and woodland; the diversity of the gardens

within the Trust caters for all interests. Former students have advanced to roles

such as First Gardener at Pitmedden, Head Gardener at Culzean and Garden

and Designed Landscape Manager for Ayrshire and Arran.

Outside of the Trust recent graduates have progressed to undertake further

study programmes at institutions such as Tresco Garden and Cambridge

University Botanic Garden, as well as RHS training schemes at Wisley, Harlow

Carr and Rosemoor. Those who have chosen to start their professional career

rather than continue training have found employment at gardens such as

Alnwick and Windsor Great Park.

Students are joining alumni such as Head Curator, RBGE David Knott, and

former Director of Horticulture for the Eden Project, Donald Murray.

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Training locations

Threave Garden

Threave has been the home of the NTS School

of Heritage Gardening for many decades. In

spring, the magnificent gardens are carpeted

with over two-hundred varieties of daffodil

complementing the spring-flowering shrubs

and trees. Later you can admire succulent

fruit and vegetables in the walled garden and glasshouses. There is a rock garden,

rose garden, heathers, conifers and herbaceous perennials. There are ponds and

water gardens, and beautiful specimen and champion trees in the grounds

surrounding the Scottish baronial Threave House. The Certificate in Practical

Heritage Gardening course and the two-year Diploma in Heritage Gardening course

is offered from Threave.

Threave Garden is an RHS partner garden and an approved centre for the delivery of

RHS qualifications, continually earning the highest rating available as such. This

opportunity is particularly valuable to students who have achieved a Higher National

Certificate (or equivalent) in horticulture who wish to develop their practical skills to

support theoretical studies.

Threave is located in south-west Scotland near to the town of Castle Douglas in

Dumfries and Galloway. The local area is vibrant and varied with hills, forests and

beaches close by.

Courses Available

Certificate in Heritage Gardening (one year, full-time)

Diploma in Heritage Gardening (two years, full-time)

Threave is an approved RHS examination centre should students wish to study for

the written theory exams at their own cost.

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Although the majority of the practical course is completed at Threave, there are a

number of properties within the region that are also managed by the Trust- and at

which training may occasionally be held.

Broughton Garden

Within the centre of the nearby town of Kirkcudbright is the

former home of the renowned Scottish artist E A Hornel. The

garden at Broughton was originally designed by Hornel and his

sister, inspired by their travels in the Far East. The beautiful

garden backs onto the River Dee and retains Hornel’s love of

oriental flora, with a fine plant collection and relaxed

atmosphere.

Rockcliffe

Rockcliffe is one of Scotland’s most beautiful coastlines, stretching along the Solway

Firth on the southern edge of Dumfries and Galloway.

Part of a National Scenic Area, the National Trust for Scotland nature reserve is

fringed with wildflowers and dotted with sailing villages. Further inland the shells

and shingle give way to patches of ancient broadleaved woodland and meadows,

rich with flowers, butterflies and birds. There are several properties within this area

which give opportunities for further training.


Course Details

1. Certificate in Heritage Gardening

The application deadline is April 30th each year and courses begin in late August.

Entry Qualifications:

RHS Level 2 theory course or similar in horticulture

Six months of practical experience in amenity gardening in a general context.

This should be in total, not for example, one day a week for six months.

As the course involves written assignments, candidates should be computer

literate with the ability to produce word processed documents.

Whilst entry qualifications are flexible and dependant on the individual

circumstances of applicants, it is essential that potential students are currently

taking or have completed a course in further or higher education and have the

minimum practical gardening experience (as outlined above).

Content:

A comprehensive range of practical gardening skills to professional gardener

standards are covered. Please see attached syllabus. Students are assessed on

practical skills and are also required to undertake regular plant identification tests,

maintain a diary and complete a number of course work assignments to enhance

the practical training. The RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture is worked

towards during the year and involves both written and practical assessment.

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2. Diploma in Heritage Gardening

Students who are accepted onto the Threave certificate course and express an

interest in further study, may be invited to apply for the Diploma in Heritage

Gardening and spend a second year at Threave

Content:

Year two is based at Threave and completes the consolidation of practical skills

learnt in year one whilst focusing on developing garden management skills. Please

see attached syllabus. Supervisory and staff management skills along with a range

of other garden management skills are included. During the year a project focused

on an aspect of management relevant to the garden will be undertaken. The RHS

Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture is pursued during this second year and

requires written and practical assessments and reports as well as further plant

identification tests.

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Bursaries & Accommodation

Students who are offered a place on a full-time School of Heritage Gardening course

may also be eligible for a Trust bursary, as well as free self-catering

accommodation.1

Students can apply for rent and council tax free, self-contained accommodation at

Threave as well as for a £5000 bursary to assist with living costs during both the

Certificate & Diploma courses. Council tax, heating, lighting, TV licence fee & internet

are included.

Applications Closing Date The closing date for applications is 30th April each year for entrants for all SHG

courses.

1 Currently, the accommodation at Threave is only available for single individuals.

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Certificate in Heritage Gardening Syllabus

Modules2 1. Induction: Introduction to Threave, The School of Heritage Gardening and the

work of the National Trust for Scotland

2. Soils composts and manures: Cultivation of soils, fertilisers and composts

3. Safe use and maintenance of tools, equipment and machinery

4. Glasshouse cultivation and maintenance

5. Propagation: Seed, and vegetative propagation techniques

6. Pest and diseases

7. Pruning

8. Lawn establishment and care

9. Fruit growing

10. Vegetable growing

11. Taxonomy and nomenclature

12. Health and safety

13. Visits to gardens of interest

14. Guided study tour

Additional learning through garden visits, talks and workshops in skills such as

grafting are also offered.

2 The following list is intended to be indicative of the practical topics that may be covered during the course; it is neither

necessarily exhaustive nor binding.


Assignments & Assessments

Practical training and assessment will take place at Threave Garden.

Students will identify twenty plants per fortnight and create a Portfolio of

Plant Profiles

A Practical Work Diary will be kept to record new skills learnt and old skills

consolidated

An Employability Assessment will be undertaken four times per year

Students will complete a study tour report

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Diploma in Heritage Gardening Syllabus

Year 1: Threave Garden (please see ‘Certificate’ syllabus)

Year 2: Threave Garden

Modules3

1. Practical professional gardening skills (continued from year one)

2. Budgets: Preparation, Negotiation and Management

3. Tree Inspections and Safety

4. Managing commercial activities & income generation from gardens

5. Interview & Performance Management Skills

6. The Manager's Checklist

7. Managing plant collection data & using plant databases

8. Presentation skills

9. Health & Safety Management

10. Taxonomy and Nomenclature (continued from year one)

Assignments & Assessments

Practical training and assessment will take place during the year as part of the

diploma and RHS level 3 practical certificate

Students will identify ten plants per fortnight and create a Portfolio of Plant

Profiles.

A Practical Work Diary will be kept to record new skills learned and old skills

consolidated.

Skills assessment records from year one will be reviewed quarterly and

updated to assess consistency and improvement.

An Employability Assessment will be undertaken three times per year.

A management/development report will be undertaken on an area of the

garden.

3 The following list is intended to be indicative of the practical topics that may be covered during the course; it is neither necessarily

exhaustive nor binding.


Contact Us:

For further details on any of the SHG courses please

contact:

Email:[email protected]

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Application Pack

Detach the application below, complete and submit by 30th April to:

Michael Lawrie, Head Gardener

Threave Garden,

Castle Douglas,

Dumfries & Galloway.

DG7 1RX

Or by email to:

[email protected]




Cultivating the art, craft and science of practical

horticulture

Gardening Course Application Form

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PLEASE COMPLETE ALL PARTS OF THIS FORM – FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN THE FORM NOT BEING ACCEPTED

Course applied for: Certificate in Heritage Gardening

Where did you see this course advertised or who told you about it?

PERSONAL DETAILS (Please complete this section in BLOCK CAPITALS)

Title:

Date of Birth:

Surname:

Forename(s):

Address: Including Postcode:

Tel (day):

Tel (mobile):

Tel (evening):

Email:

Nationality:

Occupation:

English Language Proficiency: Disability: (If any, please state nature & any special needs)

REFEREES

Provide the names and contact details of two referees, preferably one from a relevant college or university, and one from a current or most recent employer.

APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT THESE REFEREES IN ADVANCE TO OBTAIN PRIOR AGREEMENT TO BE INCLUDED

Referee 1 Referee 2

Name

Position Held

How does s/he know you?

Address (including post-code)

Tel. (day)

Email

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Course Applied for: Applicant name (initial + surname only)

REHABILIITATION OF OFFENDERS ACT

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 applicants for certain studentships (including those where you will have access to children and vulnerable adults) require you to declare all your “criminal convictions” including all convictions, cautions, reprimands, final warnings and any other information must be disclosed and you should not withhold information about a conviction that would otherwise be regarded as “spent” under the Act. Only relevant information shall be taken into account, so disclosure shall not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a Studentship. In addition, a Disclosure Scotland check may be requested to be satisfactorily completed by the successful applicant. Any failure to disclose this information may result in disciplinary action, dismissal and/or revocation of the Studentship/Bursary. Any information provided will be completely confidential.

Please provide () the following information: Yes No

Do you have any “criminal convictions”?

Are you subject to pending criminal proceedings?

If you answer “Yes” to either of these questions, please state the nature of your conviction/s or proceedings below:

ELIGIBILITY TO STUDY and PROOF OF QUALIFICATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS

If you are invited to interview you will be asked to bring certain proof with you. Please tick () to confirm that you can provide:

photographic proof of your identity proof of your UK immigration status proof of qualifications

APPLICANT DECLARATION

By signing below:

1. I consent, under the provisions of the Data Protection Act, to the National Trust for Scotland processing, by means of a computer database or otherwise, any information which I provide to them, to process this application and may be shared with other grant giving bodies but shall otherwise be held in confidence by the Trust and not divulged to any other third party without my consent.

2. I consent to the National Trust for Scotland: pursuing references at the agreed timing, medical report, seeking proof of my eligibility to study within the UK, seeking proof of the educational/training qualifications and seeking proof of membership of professional bodies, societies and/or organisations that I cite in this application before confirming any placement offer. I understand any placement offer may be withdrawn if these are not found to be satisfactory to the School of Heritage Gardening.

3. I have no known illness or disability which would affect the safe and/or effective completion of the Studentship.

4. I declare that the information on all parts of this Application Form and in any supporting documents is to the best of my

knowledge and belief, complete and accurate and no information requested or material requested has been omitted. I understand that the Trust reserves the right to withdraw any offer of bursary or Studentship and seek reimbursement of the full bursary or Studentship granted, if the information given by me is inaccurate, incomplete or misleading in any way.

Signed:_____________________________________ Print Name:_________________________________ Date: _________________

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EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS (Most recent first)

Schools & Colleges / University Attended from to Course & Qualifications Gained

This placement requires you to be self-sufficient and proficient in IT. Please () indicate your experience:

Regular user? Self-assessment of level of competency: Have you had training?

Yes No Beginner Intermediate Advanced Yes No

Email

Electronic diary

Internet

Word-processing

Spreadsheets

Presentations

Data-bases

Social Media: FB

Social Media: Twitter

Social Media: Blogging

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EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (Most recent first)

Company Name & Type of Business Dates of Employment

Job Title & Main Responsibilities Reason for Leaving

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IMMIGRATION STATUS, PERMITS & LICENCES (Please tick ()as appropriate)

Do you have a valid passport? Yes No Address where residing whilst in UK:

(Please specify if different from above)

Do you have a visa for entry? Yes No

Do you have a work permit? Yes No

Date of entry or expected entry to UK? (Enter

date DD/MM/YYYY)

.

Do you have valid health insurance? Yes No

Do you have a driving license for driving within the UK?

Yes No

Provisional Postcode:

Necessary leave of absence? Yes No

REASON & PURPOSE OF APPLICATION

Please state the reasons and purpose for your application to this course & detail all relevant information (750 words maximum):

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Notes on Completing this Application Form

Thank you for your interest in the Certificate/ Diploma in Heritage Horticulture with the NTS School of Heritage Gardening. Please read these notes carefully before you complete and submit your application form.

1. The National Trust for Scotland Courses and Bursaries do not provide funds to support academic courses. 2. Closing date for Applications is the 30

th April each year. Late applications may be considered.

3. The National trust for Scotland is not able to sponsor non-EU nationals with the UK government. Therefore, the National Trust for Scotland can only accept applications from EU residents for a place on the School of Heritage Gardening courses.

4. This Application Form and any Supporting Documentation may be submitted electronically to the following email address: [email protected] . Do not submit a CV or covering letter – if you submit a CV or covering letter they will be destroyed without consideration.

5. If you choose to submit your form electronically and have not hand-signed the “Declaration”, you are still bound by it and, by submitting your application we will deem you to have agreed to it. If you are invited to interview, we may ask you to hand-sign your application before the interview begins.

6. Paper/hard copy Applications Forms and any supporting documentation must by typed or completed in clear legible handwriting on A4 paper and posted to: Michael Lawrie, Head Gardener, the National Trust for Scotland, Threave Garden, Castle Douglas DG7 1RX.

7. Please make sure that the name of the course you are applying for and your first initial and surname (e.g. Certificate, ‘B BLOGGS’) appears in the top of each page of the application and any additional sheets you use.

8. Please give full answers to all the questions asked or information requested on the application form. If you feel that something does not apply to you, please enter “Not Applicable” in the appropriate space – if you leave a space blank we may assume that you have accidentally missed out an answer and you should note that incomplete forms will be rejected by us.

9. If you are to be invited for interview we may contact you in whichever way we feel is most appropriate – by letter, telephone, or email – so please ensure that your postal address, telephone number(s), and email address are stated accurately and that you regularly use/check these in case we have contacted you.

10. Because of the logistics of bringing together the Selection Panel for an interview date, if you are invited to interview and the date does not suit you we cannot guarantee to be able to offer you an alternative and your application may then be suspended – you should make every effort to attend the time and date we offer.

11. If you are invited to interview you should follow closely the instructions you will be given as interviews may also involve tours of sites, practical exercises, etc.

12. The National Trust for Scotland is committed to equality of opportunity and as such it is the policy of the Trust that all candidates should be treated equally in relation to selection opportunities, training, compensation, and all other such conditions regardless of sex, marital status, racial group, religion, national origin, age or disability.

13. The National Trust for Scotland takes Data Protection very seriously. We have designed the School of Heritage Gardening Application Form and the administrative procedures for handling applications to protect the information you provide. This will mean, for example, that only the Head Gardener and School Administrator will know your name and address throughout the selection process, and the Interview Panel itself will not know your name until the day of the interview. After the selection process is complete we will destroy the details we hold about you unless you are the candidate we wish to offer the place to in which case some elements of your application (e.g. your name and address and a note of your qualifications) will be used as the basis for your Student Record. We generally destroy all data relating to unsuccessful applicants within 6 months of the conclusion of the selection process. As an applicant you have the right under the Data Protection Act 1995 to request to see any data we hold about you – including notes made at shortlisting and interview stages – and we are obliged by law to provide you with this. (But remember that if we are not pursuing your application we will have destroyed your Application Form and records relating to you.) We will make a charge of £10 for this service and should you wish to make a request you must do so in writing to Michael Lawrie, Head Gardener, The School of Heritage Gardening, the National Trust for Scotland, Threave Garden, Castle Douglas, DG7 1RX.

The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410 and depends

for its support on the subscriptions of its members, donations and legacies. www.nts.org.uk

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http://www.nts.org.uk/

Documents

School of Heritage Gardening - nts.org.uk · Year 2: Threave Garden Modules3 1. Practical professional gardening skills (continued from year one) 2. Budgets: Preparation, Negotiation