Education News

education

Bicton Opens Cutting-Edge Agritech Centre

Bicton College, a leader in land-based education in the South West, is set to launch a new state-of-the-art facility that will revolutionise agritech education in the UK.

The new Agritech Advanced Engineering Centre, is a pioneering facility designed to meet the growing needs of the agricultural technology sector and provide cuttingedge training opportunities currently unavailable in the region.

Equipped with the latest technology and industry-leading equipment, the Centre

aims to propel the agritech sector into a new era of excellence and innovation.

Our graduates are equipped with the latest technological skills to drive innovation and excellence in the sector.

From this September, through bespoke apprenticeships and a unique block delivery model, the Centre will cater to students across the UK, eliminating geographical barriers to advanced agritech education.

“Alongside the exciting new facility, Bicton College is also introducing a flexible block delivery model for its land-based engineering apprenticeship programmes,” explained Ed Parrish, Director of Land-based Operations.

“This innovative approach not only minimises disruptions for employers but also provides a more immersive learning experience for apprentices, ensuring that our graduates are equipped with the latest technological skills to drive innovation and excellence in the sector.”

We are incredibly proud to be recognised as the top FE college for Education and Training in Cornwall by the Department for Education. Our cutting-edge facilities, notably the Agritech Advanced Engineering Centre at Bicton College, showcase our dedication to innovative learning. Principal and Chief Executive, The Cornwall College Group, John Evans

Celebrating Duchy's Veterinary Nurse Graduates p2

Discover university routes in the South West p3

Students raise thousands for charity p2 Rural Business School empowers farmers p5

National recognition at the Houses of Parliament p5

Celebrating Duchy's Veterinary Nurse Graduates

The latest group of newly qualified Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) were honoured at Duchy College Rosewarne’s 'Celebration of Achievement' day, marking their successful entry into the veterinary industry.

The event was attended by proud students, staff members and industry representatives who recognised the graduates for their dedication and hard work.

Students

Veterinary Surgeon and Director of Beacon VetCare, Colin Whiting, who presented the certificates to the RVNs, highlighted the importance of acknowledging such achievements.

“It is vital that we celebrate this dedication, hard work and achievement,” he remarked.

Mel Clear, head of the Veterinary Nursing Centre at Duchy College Rosewarne, described the event as a “special moment of recognition.”

Mel expressed immense pride in the graduates, stating: “These dedicated individuals now have a fulfilling journey in veterinary nursing ahead of them.”

The training of Duchy College’s newly qualified RVNs was supported by numerous regional veterinary practices, including Calweton Veterinary Group, Rosemullion Veterinary Practice, Vets4pets in Bodmin and Penzance, Kernow Veterinary Group, and others.

raise more than £6,000 for charity

In a remarkable display of hard work and dedication, the Military and Protective Services (MaPS) Academy at Bicton College, part of The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), have embarked on a 100-mile endurance challenge and raised more than £6,000 for the Royal Marines Charity and the RNLI.

Around 80 students took on the ‘Baton of Bicton’ and travelled 100 miles of the treacherous coastal footpath, from Studland in Dorset back to Bicton College, over two and a half days.

The challenge, led by Bicton’s MaPS students, has received backing from

the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, David Reed MP Candidate, the Mayor of Exmouth, District and County Councillors, Devon and Cornwall Police and the RNLI.

Commencing on Tuesday 30th of April and concluding on Thursday 2nd of May, the students pushed their physical and mental limits to complete at least 40 miles over each of the first 2 days, finishing with 20 miles on the final day.

MaPS student, Alice Cooper, explained how the task was “exciting but equally challenging.”

“We are all extremely proud of ourselves and raised a staggering amount for two amazing charities. This project has brought the academy together and we have developed so many new skills.”

Curriculum Area Manager, Scott Lawson, said: “We take great pride in our students for leading this project and complete such a tremendous task, creating a great sense of comradery amongst our MaPS students.

For Senior Study Programme Manager, Dougie Wright, this gruelling task was “challenging but extremely rewarding.”

Leading the way in dairy animal welfare standards

Duchy College’s Future Farm facility is setting a new industry standard with its innovative approach to animal welfare.

Situated at Duchy's Stoke Climsland campus, Future Farm is an innovative agricultural hub dedicated to enhancing efficiency, welfare and technological advancement in dairy farming.

Director of Land-based Operations Ed Parrish, emphasised the profound significance of Future Farm’s mission, stating: “We are dedicated to prioritising the well-being of livestock while promoting technological innovation and sustainability.”

The facility boasts several innovative features designed to enhance animal welfare. These include cow cubicles for safer, freer movement, an automatic feeding system to maintain cattle health and contentment, and advanced

milking technology coupled with strict hygiene protocols to reduce mastitis and boost herd well-being.

Anthony James Baggaley, the farm manager at Future Farm, underlined the pride they take in placing emphasis on the welfare of the herd.

Anthony noted: “Our blend of cutting-edge technology with compassionate stewardship creates a sanctuary where cows thrive.”

ANOTHER PATH TO UNIVERSITY AND YOUR DREAM CAREER

Lacking the qualifications for a degree?

Adults aged 19+ can enrol in an Access to Higher Education course, providing a flexible route to a new career. These courses are tailored for adults seeking to change careers, offering flexible scheduling and support to boost confidence and skills in a new field. Complete a degree and your Access course could be free*

Celebrating Duchy College Rosewarne’s newly qualified veterinary nurses

Students from the MaPs Academy receiving the Baton of Bicton, designed by Bicton engineering team

Future Farm Manager, Anthony Baggaley

Study for a specialist degree in the South West

Strengthening Counselling Education in the South West

Since its inception in 2022, the Cornwall Counselling Institute (CCI), has emerged as a leading centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy training.

With innovative programmes like the FdSc Counselling Psychology with Criminology, delivered in Camborne, CCI addresses the growing need for professional counsellors, prompted by societal challenges such as the pandemic and economic pressures.

Expanding its reach with new training locations in Newquay and Falmouth, CCI also supports The Penhaligon Counselling Agency, a significant lowcost counselling service in the South West. Through comprehensive courses and expert teaching, CCI is a leading light of excellence in counselling education, enhancing community well-being and shaping the future of mental health support.

High-tech soil science lab secures £574k investment

A new high-tech laboratory is being set up at Eden Project University Centre to assist Cornwall's farmers, growers, and horticulturalists in managing their land and soils more sustainably and productively.

The Centre for Excellence in Land-based Research and Knowledge Transfer, a collaborative initiative led by The Cornwall College Group and the Eden Project, is supported by a £574,820 investment from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth programme.

This programme is managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Located in Eden’s geothermally-heated Growing Point plant nursery, the Centre of Excellence will feature advanced facilities for analysing soils, plants and feedstock.

New Masters Programme Revolutionises Conservation Education

In a pioneering development of conservation education, Newquay University Centre is thrilled to announce the launch of the MSc Conservation Project Management programme.

This innovative masters degree is meticulously designed around the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation and aims to equip students with indispensable skills in conservation project design and management, alongside expertise in conservation funding and communications.

Recognising the significant gap in essential skills amongst graduates of traditional zoology or wildlife conservation degrees, the MSc programme has been created to address this shortfall.

This programme will not only bridge the gap but also produce confident, experienced and seasoned graduates ready to make a positive impact in their careers and industries.

FdSc in Rural Regeneration & Land Management: Meeting Industry Needs

Individuals looking to kick-start their land-based agricultural career can benefit from a full-time FdSc Rural Regeneration and Land Management programme at Bicton College.

Ideally suited to those looking to progress with a specific focus on balancing agricultural production and management systems, with landscape management in line with potential future environmental policies.

In an evolving industry, there's a crucial demand for specialists in agricultural land management. These professionals provide vital advice to landowners, helping them diversify and boost production while supporting biodiversity and conservation.

Ruan's studies at our Rosewarne campus led to a career-defining experience when he went farming in New Zealand, capturing viral attention on Duchy College's TikTok and Instagram.

Meet Rango, Rosewarne’s recently adopted tiny bearded dragon. The name was suggested by students during a social media competition.

Big congrats to Kathryn, a Level 3 dog grooming student, for her amazing wins at Crufts 2024! 1st place in Grooming qualifier with Bueno the Poodle puppy & 2nd place in the Handling qualifier.

Level 3 Veterinary Nursing apprentices at Rosewarne are mastering compassionate care through practical lessons, learning hands-on skills on mannequins and props.

The Cornwall College Group Insta News

Some of our amazing Military and Protective Services students. These students guided pupils from Wadebridge School through some fun team-building exercises.

Equine staff & students from Bicton College were treated to a day out at Exeter Racecourse along with a behind-the-scenes tour.

Bicton’s Military & Protective Services students earned their berets during a parade to celebrate all their achievements throughout the term.

Bicton’s floristry students have been busy crafting beautiful bouquets and mastering the art of leaf weaving!

Please get in touch 01395 562370 bicton.doggrooming@bicton.ac.uk bicton.ac.uk/dog-grooming/

Please get in touch Stoke Climsland 07812 060695 Rosewarne 01209 721342 stoke.doggrooming@duchy.ac.uk rosewarne.doggrooming@duchy.ac.uk

Have you got a horse without a job?

Are you trying to find your horse a home for winter?

At Bicton College working livery we accept horses from your cobs to your warmbloods.

Please

Elite Riding Academy shaping equestrian excellence in the South West

As a centre of equestrian excellence in the South West, the esteemed Elite Riding Academy at Bicton College is preparing some of the region’s most accomplished young riders to showcase their skills at both Devon County Show and Bicton Arena’s International Horse Trials in May.

For over a decade, Bicton College, part of The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), has offered young people the chance to join the Elite Riding programme.

This prestigious programme has a strong track record of developing riders into confident individuals capable of excelling in a competitive equine environment.

Entry into the Elite Riding Academy at Bicton is highly selective, reserved for only six exceptional individuals who demonstrate unmatched skill, passion and dedication. Those chosen embark on a transformative journey, receiving intensive, expert-led training that sets them distinctly above the rest in the equine world.

Each year, the six riders selected gain the exclusive opportunity to showcase their skills at the distinguished Bicton Arena and proudly represent the College during the eagerly awaited riding demonstrations at Devon County Show.

Students at the Elite Riding Academy actively participate in numerous events at Bicton Arena, gaining practical experience with competition horses and learning to manage their energy levels effectively.

This immersive approach not only deepens their understanding of equine interaction but also prepares them for future challenges. The strategic partnership established two years ago between Bicton College and Bicton Arena, just a 5-minute walk from the campus, provides a valuable platform for students to demonstrate their burgeoning skills at a leading competition centre.

National recognition at the Houses of Parliament

The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) has been selected as a national finalist in the prestigious FE Week & AELP AAC Apprenticeship 2024 Awards.

The Group has been recognised for its commitment and dedication to excellence in apprenticeship delivery and has been shortlisted for the “Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care Apprenticeship Provider of the Year” category.

The nomination reflects the hard work of TCCG's staff, students and employers, who have consistently demonstrated exceptional performance in the field. Expressing his gratitude, Principal and CE of TCCG, John Evans, said: “Being recognised nationally in such a prestigious awards ceremony is truly an honour. It reflects the dedication of our team and the outstanding performance of our students.”

Rural Business School empowers farmers through alliance

The farming and agricultural landscape in the South West is experiencing a ground-breaking transformation, thanks to the Devon Agri-Tech Alliance which supports land-based businesses.

Since its formation in 2022, the strategic union, led by Devon County Council, has become a beacon of collaboration for farmers and growers across Devon and Cornwall, with the Rural Business School (RBS), part of The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), at the heart of innovation and education.

“As an organisation that combines education, training, business support and applied research for rural industries, RBS is proud to be part of the Devon Agri-Tech Alliance and work towards a more sustainable future for the industry with innovation at the forefront,” expressed Robin Jackson, director of RBS at Bicton College, also part of TCCG.

National recognition at the House of Parliament

Director of Land-based Operations at TCCG, Ed Parrish, attended a celebratory reception at the Houses of Parliament, hosted by the Robert Halfon MP, to collect the formal recognition certificate on behalf of the Group.

Equine at Bicton College

Exceptional Academic Accomplishments

Oscar Wallace-Cook, studying Level 3 General Agriculture at Bicton College, has been awarded a £500 Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Further Education bursary.

The judges were impressed by Oscar’s ambition to run his own dairy enterprise, demonstrated by his commitment to both his academic studies and work experience on a local dairy and beef farm.

Oscar said: “I plan to use what I have learnt at Bicton to run or own my own farming business in the future.”

Darcey Bowser and Karl Schmidtke, who studied at the Stoke Climsland campus, have been ‘highly commended’ for their third-year dissertations, which will be summarised online in the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) publication 'Fledgling Bytes'.

Henry Matthews, a Level 2 Land-based Engineering student, received a £500 Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Further Education bursary. Henry is an active Young Farmer, who was recently elected Junior Vice Chairman of his local Young Farmers Club. He said: “I will use the bursary prize money to buy a new welding mask with an air filter and to expand my tool collection to apply what I have learnt on my course to our machinery at home.”

Clara Woodhead, BSc (Hons) Agriculture student at Duchy’s Stoke Climsland campus, has emerged victorious in this year’s Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) Farm Health Management Award and won £500 prize money. She was declared the winner at Dairy-Tech 2024, sponsored by Volac.The national award tested the students’ proactive farm health management and their ability to overcome industry barriers, testing their knowledge of essential components of the Agriculture Act.

Darcey carried out an investigation into modern equine management practices and their impact on the prevalence of equine agonistic behaviours.

Meanwhile, Karl researched the kinematic action under applied rein tension of the loose ring single-jointed snaffle bit, and is currently completing a PhD at Plymouth University.

Melissa Bennett, a student from the BSc (Hons) Horticulture (Plant Science) degree at Eden Project University Centre, has been awarded £500 and the prestigious Bursary Report prize from the Royal Horticultural Society. She received the accolade for her exceptional report, "Exploring Desert Plants," which was recognised for its "highest overall standard." Melissa expressed her gratitude, stating, “Studying Plant Science at TCCG is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I feel very fortunate to have been awarded for doing something that I really love.”

Isabella Rhodes, FdSc Agriculture student at Duchy College Stoke Climsland, won the Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Higher Education bursary and received a £750 prize. Isabella is an active Young Farmer and currently chairs the Cornwall Federation of Young Farmers Clubs Agriculture group. Having already completed a placement with a genetics company, Isabella is keen to pursue a career in bovine genetics and said: “there’s not a second of my day when I’m not thinking about agriculture.”

Where are they now?

TikTok famous, MARIA is more than just an influencer best known for 'Granfer' videos. She is also a fifth-generation beef, sheep and arable farmer. Maria studied land-based agriculture and vet nursing through The Cornwall College Group.

BEN is one of our agriculture apprenticeship alumni from Duchy College Rosewarne. He now works as technical manager at Pengelly Farms Ltd, one of the South West’s largest potato growers.

RUTH studied a degree in agriculture at our Stoke Climsland campus and is now a freelance agricultural journalist in Cornwall. She recently featured in an article focusing on the women in agricultural.

LUCY, a recent horticulture and landscape apprentice alumni, now gets to experience a stunning landscape in her new permanent job at Bedruthan Hotel and Spa, the company she trained with.

LAURA is a fundraising manager at Hugs Foundation and studied FdSc Animal Behaviour and Psychology at Newquay University Centre.

GALARINA, who studied equine at our Stoke Climsland campus, is a trooper and has been a part of the Household Cavalry for two years, and in the British Army for three years.

HARRY studied agriculture at Duchy College Rosewarne and Bicton College. He now helps manage his family farm in Porthleven, which supplies milk to Rodda’s.

GAVIN has received an OBE. He has been in the British Army since 1998 in a variety of roles, notably as Army Sergeant Major. He now works as an instructor for the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence in the United States.

ALICE won Gold at the Chelsea Flower Show and owns her own floral design business.

Getting ready for college

If you haven’t decided what you want to study yet there’s still time to apply! Visit our website to find your perfect course and complete the application form, which you will be able to find on the top of the course page. We’ll be in touch as soon as you apply to talk through your application and discuss what happens next. A great way to meet people is at our student social spaces run by the CCSU (Cornwall College Students’ Union), your tutors will show you these in your first week. As well as a modern, well-equipped space, they also have their own dedicated Facebook pages where you can find out about any events and trips taking place.

Explore our amazing subject areas

• Agriculture & Countryside Management

• Animal Management & Veterinary Nursing

• Arts & Media

• Business School

• Catering

• Children, Schools & Families

• Construction & Building Trades

• Digital Academy

• Engineering & Plant Operations

• Equine

• Foundation Learning

• Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy

• Horticulture, Floristry & Arboriculture

• Hospitality & Front of House

• Marine Engineering & Boatbuilding

• Marine & Natural Environment

• Military & Protective Services Academy

• Motor Vehicle

• Music & Performing Arts

• Social Care & Health

• Sports, Fitness & Watersports

• Travel & Tourism

• Vocational Academy School Leavers

for all courses:

University

Study for your degree full-time or part-time at one of our unique campuses

• Adventure & Coastal Sport Science

• Agriculture & Rural Development

• Animal Management

• Art & Design

• Counselling & Psychology

• Equine Studies

• Games Design

• Golf & Business Management

• Horticulture Science & Garden Design

• Land Restoration & Conservation

• Marine Technology & Yacht Science

• Ocean Sciences

• Teaching and Education

• Wildlife Conservation & Zoology

As well as awarding our own degrees, we also work in partnership with