What is the 14-16 Programme Option?

This option allows you to come to College one day a week on a work-related skills course. This means that you learn the theory and then put what you have learnt in the classroom into practice by doing practical classes and developing useful employment skills.

The benefit to you is that you can do something practical whilst learning new skills and gaining knowledge. This should help you make important decisions about your future career; to go on to further education, work-based training or employment.

Courses

  • This qualification meets the needs of students who may wish to work within the animal
    care industry. Students develop a core understanding of animal care including animal
    health, animal husbandry, animal accommodation, animal feeding and health and safety
    in the workplace. Students will have a chance to undertake many practical aspects of
    animal care such as handling and participate in classroom-based theory.

    Key Units Include:

    • Health and Safety
    • Maintaining Animal Health
    • Feeding and Watering
    • Developing own performance
    • Accommodation
    • Handling and Restraint
    • Animals in the wild

  • This course is the perfect place to start for students with some practical experience of working with horses or in an equine setting, who wish to gain a basic understanding of horse care. This course will help develop to your understanding of horse care and welfare standards, and you will learn how to correctly handle and look after a variety of horses at Sparsholt College’s reputable Equine Centre.

    Key Units Include:

    • Horse Preparation and aftercare
    • Movement, handling and accommodation of animals.
    • Exercising horses
    • Safe and effective working practices
    • Maintaining horse health

  • The ‘Environment and Countryside Skills’ course will offer subjects and practical skills from a variety of Sparsholt’s land-based courses, including; environmental issues, conservation, woodland work, agriculture, horticulture, game and fish.The aim of the programme is to offer a course for students who are interested in the environment and countryside, but are not sure what careers would be available or what working in the industry would be like.

    Key Units Include:

    • Introduction to sustainability
    • Exploring careers in the Green industries
    • Understanding ecology and conservation
    • Garden horticulture skills
    • Establish and maintaining woodland areas
    • Woodland products and crafts
    • Pest, disease and weed control
    • Principles of Preparing for and Monitoring Livestock Outdoors
    • Principles of Managing Game, Wildlife and Fish

  • The course is designed for those who want to gain a basic introduction to the Motor Vehicle industry.Learners will gain work related skills, prepare for further training, and gain important industry insight to help make informed career decisions.

    Key Units Include:

    • Health & safety
    • Introduction to SI engine units
    • Motor vehicle workshop tools and equipment
    • Introduction to vehicle breaking systems
    • Introduction to vehicle inspections
    • Introduction to vehicle exhaust systems
    • Routine motorcycle checks
    • Remove and replace motor vehicle road wheels

View our 14-16 Programme – Course Information guide for 2025-27 (PDF)

Who are the courses for?

These courses are designed for pupils who are on a school roll and have an interest in progressing in to landbased education or a landbased career.

How long is the course?

The course runs through Years 10 and 11. You will finish in time for you to revise for your GCSE exams. The course will run one day a week and your school will provide timetables to include your College course, if you decide on this option.

Will transport be provided?

Transport is not provided by the College. You will either be transported by your school or your parents may be asked to provide this facility.

Interviews

Once you have chosen your course and filled in the application forms with your school and parents, we will be in touch to arrange a chat with us so we can assess your suitability for the course. Your school will also provide a report for the College.

Acceptance to Sparsholt

If you are offered a place on the Programme you will be asked to sign a Code of Conduct regarding your Attendance, Behaviour and Performance whilst at College. Written reports will be provided to your school on a half-termly basis.

Contact

14-16 Programme Administrator
Direct Line – 01962 797592
Email – schoolprogrammes@sparsholt.ac.uk