Links to the Curriculum
Environmental Sciences
This course develops learners’ interest and enthusiasm for environmental science in a range of con-texts, as well as their investigative and experimental skills.
To find out more about this course click here
SQA level 2 Science in the Environment
This course would be suitable for S2 Supported Science classes or pupils working through an alter-native route. It includes 2 mandatory units; Resources, Forces and Energy and Living Things. It then has two optional units; Sustainable Lifestyles and Managing an Environmental Area. Only one of the optional units needs to be taught, the garden offers the perfect opportunity to complete Managing an Environmental Area.
To find out more about this course click here
Horticultural Qualifications
There are a range of horticultural qualifications supported by the SQA that would enable pupils with an interest to explore these subjects and gain an appropriate level award.
Expertise would need to be sought from out with the school to ensure that the skills are there with-in the staff to deliver these qualifications.
Discussion with SQA would also need to take place before a centre was able to present pupils for these awards.
NC An Introduction to Horticulture at SCQF level 4
National Certificate in An Introduction to Horticulture at SCQF level 4 develops both knowledge and technical skills but with an emphasis on practical delivery, reflecting the nature of the horticulture industry. Learners will also have the opportunity to develop Core Skills and other essential skills which employers value.
National Certificates are practical qualifications designed to equip learners for further study or to gain employment.
National Certificates (NCs) are designed for full-time delivery over one year (or part-time over two years) and are available through schools, colleges and training providers.
To find out more about this course click here
National Progression Awards (NPA) Horticulture at SCQF 4
National Progression Awards (NPAs) assess a defined set of skills and knowledge in specialist voca-tional areas, linked to National Occupational Standards.
The NPA in Horticulture at SCQF level 4 introduces learners to techniques that are important in the horticulture sector and covers areas such as allotment gardening and plant propagation.
It develops: knowledge and understanding of horticulture; practical, technical and transferable skills; oral, written and evaluation abilities; resource management; problem solving and planning; and or-ganisational and communication skills.
The qualification is available through schools although colleges and training providers may also offer it.
To find out more about this course click here
National Certificate (NC) Horticulture at SCQF 4 and 5
National Certificate in An Introduction to Horticulture at SCQF level 4 develops both knowledge and technical skills but with an emphasis on practical delivery, reflecting the nature of the horticulture industry. Learners will also have the opportunity to develop Core Skills and other essential skills which employers value.
National Certificates are practical qualifications designed to equip learners for further study or to gain employment.
National Certificates (NCs) are designed for full-time delivery over one year (or part-time over two years) and are available through schools, colleges and training providers.
To find out more about this course click here
HNC Landscape Management SCQF Level 7
Higher National qualifications provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers.
The HNC in Landscape Management (SCQF level 7) develops knowledge and skills in areas such as constructing hard landscape features, the design process and composition, fundamentals of land-scape surveying, plant recognition, and planting design for parks, gardens and public spaces.
This qualification will give learners the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to work in the landscape management sector.
This HNC is available through colleges, training providers and some universities. Typically, an HNC takes one year to complete and an HND takes two years.
To find out more about this course click here
HNC Horticulture
Higher National qualifications provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers.
The HNC in Horticulture (SCQF level 7) develops knowledge and skills in areas such as plant growth and development, plant protection and identification, and soil management.
It introduces learners to the breadth of the horticultural industry and to areas of specialism. As well as developing the practical skills required for the identification, care and maintenance of plants, learners will gain the supervisory and management skills that are sought by employers.
This qualification is available through colleges, training providers and some universities. Typically, an HNC takes one year to complete and an HND takes two years.
To find out more about this course click here
HNC Garden Design at SCQF level 7
The HNC Garden Design at SCQF level 7 provides the education and training necessary to become a garden designer. It develops knowledge of plants and their uses and includes the practical skills re-quired for the care and maintenance of plants. Learners will also develop an awareness and under-standing of the design process and the knowledge and skills required to design, build, research, and manage gardens.
The HNC enables learners to become familiar with the main theoretical concepts and terminology of horticulture and to gain an outline knowledge of areas of specialism. Learners will be introduced to research processes and will develop an understanding of the social relevance of horticulture and landscape. They will also develop their abilities to solve problems, and to undertake analysis, syn-thesis and evaluation.
This qualification is available through colleges, training providers and some universities. Typically, an HNC takes one year to complete and an HND takes two years.
To find out more about this course click here
SVQ Parks, Gardens and Green Space SCQF level 5
The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Parks, Gardens and Green Space at SCQF level 5 al-lows learners to demonstrate competence in their particular area of work. It covers areas such as: maintaining grass surfaces; identifying and assisting with pests, diseases and disorders; establishing crops or plants; health, safety and security; working relationships; and managing and improving ones performance in a business environment.
Designed in partnership with the Sector Skills Council Lantra, this SVQ gives learners an internation-ally recognised qualification that guarantees they have the skills, knowledge and abilities to carry out their role successfully.
The SVQ in Parks, Gardens and Green Space at SCQF Level 5 is available through employers and training providers.
To find out more about this course click here
SVQ Landscaping SCQF level 5
The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Landscaping at SCQF level 5 allows learners to demon-strate competence in their particular area of work. It covers areas such as: preparing and using equipment and machines; preparing growing media; establishing crops or plants; health and safety; working relationships; and managing and improving ones own performance in a business environ-ment.
Designed in partnership with the Sector Skills Council Lantra, this SVQ gives learners an internation-ally-recognised qualification that guarantees they have the skills, knowledge and abilities to carry out their role successfully.
The SVQ in Landscaping at SCQF 5 is available through employers and training providers.
To find out more about this course click here
SVQ Landscaping SCQF level 6
The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Landscaping at SCQF level 6 allows candidates to demonstrate competence in their particular area of work. It covers areas such as: co-ordinating the planting of crops or plants; the management of planted areas; promoting health, safety and security; managing resources; and identifying and naming plants using their botanical names.
Designed in partnership with the Sector Skills Council Lantra, this SVQ gives learners an internation-ally-recognised qualification that guarantees they have the skills, knowledge and abilities to carry out their role successfully.
The SVQ in Landscaping at SCQF level 6 is available through employers and training pro.
To find out more about this course click here
SVQ 3 Production Horticulture at SCQF level 6
This SVQ 3 in Production Horticulture allows learners to demonstrate competence in their particular area of work. It covers areas such as: monitoring and controlling the growth of plants, co-ordinating the provision of water and nutrients to crops or plants; promoting and monitoring health, safety and security; managing resources; identifying and naming plants using their botanical names; and co-ordinating the control of pests, diseases and disorders.
Designed in partnership with the Sector Skills Council Lantra, this SVQ gives learners an internation-ally recognised qualification that guarantees they have the skills, knowledge and abilities to carry out their role successfully.
The SVQ 3 in Production Horticulture is available through employers and training providers.
To find out more about this course click here
SVQ Horticulture SCQF level 5
The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Horticulture at SCQF level 5 allows candidates to demonstrate competence in job related skills in their particular area of work and expertise.
This qualification covers areas such as establishing and maintaining the growth of crops and plants and maintaining health and safety.
This qualification has been designed in partnership with Lantra (https://www.lantra.co.uk/), the Sec-tor Skills Council to ensure relevance to the sector.
SVQs are based on National Occupational Standards. SQA works in partnership with other organisa-tions to ensure that National Occupational Standards (NOS) are relevant to the current and future needs of Scottish industries.
The SVQ in Horticulture at SCQF level 5 is available through employers and training providers.
To find out more about this course click here
National Progression Award in Horticulture at SCQF level 4
National Progression Awards (NPAs) assess a defined set of skills and knowledge in specialist voca-tional areas, linked to National Occupational Standards.
The NPA in Horticulture at SCQF level 4 introduces learners to techniques that are important in the horticulture sector and covers areas such as allotment gardening and plant propagation.
It develops: knowledge and understanding of horticulture; practical, technical and transferable skills; oral, written and evaluation abilities; resource management; problem solving and planning; and or-ganisational and communication skills.
The qualification is available through schools although colleges and training providers may also offer it.
To find out more about this course click here