Pool School students studying the Certificate in Horticulture for Schools programme with Duchy College, Rosewarne received a workshop on how to plant and propagate tropical plant types at Pool School on Tuesday January 27. The College provided the school with Polyanthus, Primula and Cordyline from its onsite nursery. The students who are aged between 14-16 will use the plants and the new techniques they have learnt on the horticulture course to produce ornamental shrub containers for the school grounds. While producing the containers the students will also get to learn about plant nutrition, soil science, and plant identification and take part in varied practical tasks such as propagation and testing soils. Course Lecturer Sarah Chafer said “It is useful for the students to get a chance to identify and work with a large variety of plants. The work is mainly practical and outside and gives a good basic grounding in horticultural practice without the burden of too much assessment and therefore can be applied to your area of interest.”

Mrs Clift from Pool School added “The School and the College work together to offer the course, the students receive a recognised qualification in horticulture and it really suits students that like to get involved and learn by practical experience.”

Dave Linnell Deputy Chief Executive of Cornwall College which Duchy College is a part said: “It is fantastic that Cornwall College are able to offer practical courses for 14-16 year olds. Hopefully students will find an area of interest and the skills learnt will allow students to be able to progress onto higher level courses in the future.”