Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2010 | Page 119

country life

Island Life - June/July 2010

courses, which prove big attractions to career

agricultural courses to reflect the changes

changers.

in working practices in the countryside. One

Fishery and aquatics is also on the varied

of our strengths is that we are very keen our

list of courses, which also includes sports

students are employable when they leave

studies and outdoor education. Sarah points

here.

out: “We specialise in outward-bound

“They have the skills, qualification and

sports as well as performance academies.

work experience, which is also important.

We have acres of land for mountain biking,

All of our academic departments have

orienteering and students go further afield to

strong networks within industries, which

practice specialist skills.

can provide our graduates with contacts for

“Tied in with this is the Public (Uniformed)
Services course which is fabulous for anyone

future employment.
Students arrive at Sparsholt from the age

thinking of going into armed service, the

of 16, and as a College funded by the Local

police or fire service. Generally those services

Education Authority, there are no fees up to

prefer older school-leavers with a level of

the age of 19. “For most further education

maturity that this course enables students to

students, accommodation and transport

build.

are the most expensive elements of coming

“The course covers things like leadership

to College. However, we have a residential

skills and team working skills, so there is a

bursary enabling us to contribute towards

lot of ‘outward bound’ type activities. They

some accommodation costs, depending on

also learn about civic responsibility and get

the circumstances of the family.

to see the different services functioning in

“Just like your local sixth form college, fees

different ways. So it does give them a very

and exams are paid, but then there are things

broad grounding, and raises that maturity.

like specialist clothing and boots which might

Sarah continued: “We are a specialist

be covered by the Educational Maintenance

college, so the students who come here

Allowance paid to students staying on in

know they want to work with animals,

full-time education.

agriculture, fish or whatever. In general, they
have already chosen their career path.
“We have built on our traditional
Visit our new website - www.visitislandlife.com

From the age of 19 the College offers a
range of Degree and Foundation Degree
courses, validated by the University of
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