Meet our college students
We're often asked what a typical day with us is like. Here are some of our students' thoughts on what it's like to study a college course at Brackenhurst.
Aislinn studies Level 3 Equine Management. Josh studies Level 3 Land and Wildlife Management, now called Countryside Management. Here they share their thoughts on their Brackenhurst experience.
Aislinn Edwards, Level 3 Extended Diploma in Equine Management
Tell us about your course
"I study Equine Management. We do everything from equine biology to exercising horses. We have three riding lessons a week — one jumping, and two flatwork. There are a variety of horses to suit every ability."
— Aislinn
"I'm doing Land and Wildlife Management (now called Countryside Management). We're taught how to manage and conserve a variety of different habitats. The course has practical elements, in which we physically do the different methods to conserve and improve the habitats we learn about during lectures."
— Josh
Josh Veysey, Level 3 Extended Diploma Level 3 Land and Wildlife Management, now called Countryside Management
What's it like to be a student here?
"Being a student here is very fun, because you have a lot in common with others. We do lots of different activities and there are lots of different clubs and events you can attend."
— Aislinn
"You're immersed in the environment, which makes the course seem more realistic. It's a good place to make friends."
— Josh
How do you travel to Brackenhurst, and how long does it take you to get there?
"I take the bus every day, apart from the morning I have yard duties at the Equestrian Centre. Then my mum drives me. The bus journey is usually around an hour long, but we have a really nice coach."
— Aislinn
What’s your timetable like?
"I usually start at either 9 am or 11 am, unless I have morning yard duties. Then I start at 7.45 am. I usually finish at 4 pm unless I have evening yard duties, when I finish at 5 pm. We have a variety of both classroom lessons and practical lessons. Our lessons are around an hour to an hour-and-a-half long. On the Equine Management course, we do one morning yard duty and one evening yard duty a week; one weekend yard duty every three weeks; and five yard duty days in either the Christmas or summer holidays, depending on what year you're in."
— Aislinn
"It's a relaxed timetable. I only go to college three days a week from Wednesday to Friday. Monday and Tuesday are when we can do our work experience placements as well as doing paid work."
— Josh
Where do you go for lunch?
"I go for lunch in the farmhouse, or I go to the Brackenhurst shop to buy my food. There are vending machines to get snacks from and a dining hall and a café to get meals."
— Aislinn
"The dining hall, especially on Fridays, when they serve fish and chips."
— Josh
Tell us about your assessments
"We have ridden and written synoptic exams in both first and second year, as well as one British Horse Society (BHS) ride safe exam."
— Aislinn
"My assignments range from writing reports to doing presentations and practical assessments when we're out in the field. I also have examinations and synoptic assessments."
— Josh
What are your course tutors like?
"I find my course tutors supportive and helpful. They want the best for everyone. The staff and lecturers are very approachable if you ever need help or advice, and they explain things in detail."
— Aislinn
"They're amazing during lectures and are very supportive. They're always very energetic when they teach us."
— Josh