Working on farmOathall Community College offers an NVQ in Work Based Land Based Operations (Level 1) for up to 14 students each year.  This qualification is open to students from other schools in the area as part of the West Sussex ‘Increased Flexibility’ programme.  Successful applicants will be part of a small select group of like-minded students.

Course content

This practical course is taught for one day per week over two years at Oathall.  During that time students will learn how to safely transport materials, basic tractor driving skills, first aid, they will contribute to hard landscaping projects, carry out maintenance tasks and work with the animals on the farm eg cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry.

Download a copy of the course leaflet here

Read an account of a typical day here

Key outcomes

  • The confidence of students will grow as they successfully master practical skills
  • Team working and co-operation skills
  • Instilling an understanding of health and safety and an appreciation for the need for processes
  • A flexible and adaptable approach to work
  • A sense of pride in their achievements and progress throughout the course
  • A strong sense of responsibility whilst working with large animals and within a commercial enterprise.

How to find out more or apply

Students attending other schools should register a request with their own school to come along to the annual taster day for this course prior to making a formal application.  Once they have applied candidates will then be invited to an interview at Oathall.

Please call the farm office on 01444 883211 or email [email protected] with any questions.

What our students say

Year 10 student from Imberhorne: “I love farming and it is something that means a lot to me and being able to learn even more about it makes me feel great.”

Year 10 student from Oathall Community College: “The teachers make it fun by trusting you and treating us like adults.”

Year 10 student from St Paul’s: “I always feel good at the end of a college day and can’t wait for the next week to come round.”