Lily-mae
Horsepool

Why did you choose to study your course at Brackenhurst?

Well, even before finishing my GSCEs at secondary school I knew I wanted to live and breathe the outdoors every chance that I could, so options such as post-16 and A-levels really didn’t agree with me. After searching for a little while and a recommendation from a previous student, I landed on Brackenhurst and that’s exactly what I do! First of all, the Brackenhurst campus is stunning! It’s such a pleasant place to be no matter the season and all the staff on campus are so welcoming and supportive. Every course has its fair share of practical and immersive learning that I think really benefits us as students, maximising our potential.

Tell us more about your course. What do you enjoy studying the most?

At Brackenhurst I currently studying Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture. I love every aspect of the course. From the diverse practicals we do multiple times a week, to the classroom lectures which are full of interesting content. We’re given so many opportunities here at Brack and it just makes learning so fun.

What do you think about the facilities available on your course and what do you use the most?

Facilities on campus are second to none! No matter what course you're on, there's so many top of the line facilities to aid and progress your learning. Whether it’s the working farm, the high tech riding simulators and riding arenas, the animal unit with every animal you could think of, or the on campus biodiversity and habitats just seconds away from your classroom, you’ll love them. I personally use the library the most to work on tasks as it provides a safe, supportive, and motivating environment to work in either on your own or in a group.

What do you think about Brackenhurst Campus? What do you get up to in your spare time?

In my spare time at Brackenhurst, I mostly use time to work on assignments in the library to make sure I’m always on top of my workload and getting the most from my course. But if that’s not really your style, there's plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to socialise and explore. Everything from tracks all around our fields and main campus to walk and enjoy the countryside to indoor spaces such as the Orangery and Mezzanine to stay in the warm winter months.

Have you had any support from other departments? How was your experience accessing these/ was the service helpful?

Everywhere you look at Brackenhurst there’ll be someone willing to help you. Although I personally don’t require any extra help or support during lessons and exams, I do know that Brack will support you no matter your disability and will accommodate your needs. Whether that’s extra time, coloured paper/ overlays, or laptops for written work, Brackenhurst will provide that for you.

What is your top tip for someone considering studying at Brackenhurst Campus?

My top tip for you guys considering joining us at Brackenhurst is to bring practical clothing! You will be outside in all weathers experiencing the wonders of your sector and you want to be comfortable doing so. A pair of wellies will be your best friend here!

Have you been involved in any placements, work experience or volunteering as part of your course? If so, what did you do and what did you achieve?

As required for the first year of my course, I have 150 hours of practical work experience to complete at an off campus facility. I do my placement at a lovely local dairy farm where I really get to experience the realities of industry and get hands-on with every aspect. All the way from collecting data for documents and paperwork required for the farm to handling calves just hours old. There’s nothing more special to me than bottle-feeding a day-old calf and really seeing the fruits of our farmer's hard work.

Why would you recommend your course to someone considering studying it?

Brackenhurst would be my first recommendation to anyone interested in a rural study. I truly believe that with the combination of the top tier facilities all over campus, the accommodating and supportive staff, the stunning countryside campus, the once in a lifetime opportunities, and overall course content, you will get everything and more from your education. Need I say anymore really!

What are your plans for after the course and how do you feel your course has/ will help you to achieve that goal?

Anything else you want to say about Brackenhurst?

I can’t begin to explain how magical Brackenhurst is as a college and university, you’ll just have to come and find out for yourself! Join me and everyone else at Brackenhurst, I promise you won’t regret it.