Subject Overview

Horticulture offers learners practical opportunities to develop skills related to plant care, environmental awareness and outdoor working within structured and purposeful learning environments. Learning is designed to build confidence, responsibility and teamwork through supported, hands‑on activities matched to individual readiness.

All learners engage in horticulture‑based activities that develop understanding of plants, tools and sustainability. Learning is carefully sequenced so that skills build progressively over time, with learners accessing increasing levels of challenge and responsibility as confidence, independence and competence develop within horticulture and environmental projects.

Curriculum Content

Learners develop skills through a progressive horticulture and environmental programme, which may include:

Horticulture themes

• Preparing soil and ground for planting
• Sowing seeds and planting container‑grown plants
• Watering, mulching and maintaining plants
• Using and maintaining hand tools safely

Environmental studies themes

• Plant and insect field studies
• Habitat development
• Conservation and local environmental projects

Accreditation and Qualifications

Learners may work towards:

• City & Guilds Horticulture qualifications at Level 1, where readiness and assessment indicate this is appropriate
• The AQA Unit Award Scheme, where learners are developing foundational skills or where a more flexible approach better meets individual needs

This ensures all learners can access horticultural learning, with progression routes that reflect confidence, ability and independence.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Learning is predominantly practical and experiential, supported by observation, photographic evidence, task outcomes and reflective activities. Classroom‑based learning is used where appropriate to support understanding, planning and consolidation of learning.

Employability, Life Skills and Progression

Learners develop transferable skills including responsibility, teamwork, communication and independence, alongside an understanding of environmental sustainability. Horticulture supports progression to further education, environmental or land‑based pathways, volunteering opportunities, or increased independence in practical life skills and outdoor working.