Open day is chance for students to see what we offer
It's a busy time at Walford Campus preparing for the forthcoming Open Day on Saturday, October 20, between 10am and 2pm.
The day will be an opportunity for prospective students to find out more information about programmes on offer at the Walford Campus. There will be staff on hand to provide course information and tours. Visitors can see first-hand the excellent facilities we have on offer and discuss post-16 opportunities.
Agriculture students have also attended the Agriculture Forum based at Walford which took place last week. The forum comprises lecturing staff, students, and senior managers as well as many representatives from key agricultural employers in the area. The forum takes place twice per year where a presentation is given on a key topic.
At this forum, the college vet Tim O’Sullivan from Shropshire Farm Vets gave an interesting presentation on antibiotic resistance. Delegates then work in groups to discuss curriculum ideas and work experience opportunities that are hugely influential in shaping the curriculum at Walford Campus.
It was a great opportunity for students and staff to meet with stakeholders from the local community. Employer engagement is now a vital part of the agriculture student experience at college and students look forward to taking part in visits and trips over the coming months and securing a work placement in which they gain vital knowledge and experience of working within the industry. This can be directly on a farm or within an allied company.
The forum was the first for new Principal, Ian Peake, who spoke of his experience in farming and about how agriculture works over at Holme Lacy, the land-based campus of his other college, Herefordshire and Ludlow, with whom NSC will be merging on November 1.
The autumn term is now in full swing for the land-based department based at Walford. Our equine students have been taking part in different events, including observing a stallion grading session and attending the National Dressage Championships. The department is running its own dressage competitions over the coming months, details of which can be found on the NSC Equine Facebook page.
The college is also hosting a year 11 taster day on November 16 where pupils can enjoy a practical day to try out courses including agriculture, animal care, equine, foundation studies, land and wildlife, and motor vehicle.
For more information about open events and the taster day, see our website at www.nsc.ac.uk or call the admissions team on 01691 688080.
Richard Aldis is Walford farm manager
