Land Management & Animal Care at Park Community School

Land Management and Animal Care at Park Community School prepares students to engage with a rapidly developing land-based industry. Students learn theory-based knowledge about soil systems, grassland and habitat management, livestock care, animal health, nutrition, welfare standards and environmental sustainability (relevant to the wider land-based sector).

Intent

Our aim is to offer a rich, challenging, and varied curriculum that ensures all students have the opportunity to produce excellent work by pushing their own boundaries and exploring practical, real-life opportunities. Through hands-on animal care and land stewardship, students develop skills, confidence, independence and resilience.

Land Management and Animal Care students will develop knowledge and skills to certification level in a diverse learning environment, both outdoors and in animal care settings. Skills in animal husbandry, health monitoring, feeding regimes, habitat management and sustainable land use will be taught and refined so that students can apply responsible, ethical and environmentally sound practices — all of which are essential in the modern land-based economy.

The work plan combines practical and theory-based learning to stimulate students' intellectual curiosity and provide real-life opportunities to develop animal care competencies, environmental awareness, teamwork, and confident independent learning.

Implementation

The knowledge and skills developed through Land Management and Animal Care are designed to open pathways to a wide range of career opportunities locally and nationally. These pathways may lead to careers such as:

They may also progress into related fields such as veterinary nursing, agriculture, wildlife conservation, environmental science, and countryside management.

Areas of Study

• Preparing land for planting, grazing or habitat development
• Soil assessment and basic land surveying
• Assist with the care and maintenance of a range of animals
• Animal feeding, watering and housing routines
• Monitoring animal health and welfare
• Understanding animal behaviour and safe handling techniques
• Assist with maintaining habitats and enclosures
• Identification of common livestock species, wildlife, parasites and diseases
• Understanding environmental sustainability and land stewardship principles

Assessment

Assessment is carried out through a range of practical activities, internally timetabled and assessed against City & Guilds success criteria. Students will demonstrate both practical competence and underpinning theoretical knowledge.

Further Study and Career Opportunities

The City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Land-Based Studies qualification is approved within the Qualifications and Credit Framework. As part of the Foundation Learning tier, this qualification provides a flexible learning programme for young people working at Level 1. It supports learners in developing their land-based skills and prepares them to progress towards Level 2 qualifications offered by City & Guilds and other awarding organisations.

Careers

The land-based sector is a significant employer within the UK, offering diverse and rewarding career pathways. A career in Land Management and Animal Care may include: