A student from Shuttleworth College has
achieved a prestigious award that is internationally recognised as
one of the top achievements in the field of horticulture.
Caroline Corkett from Ampthill faced stiff
competition from other candidates across the UK to win the RHS
(Royal Horticultural Society) Hector Harrison Award. This award is
given to the highest scoring candidate who took the RHS Level 3
Advanced Certificate in Horticulture during an academic
year.
Shuttleworth College Centre Director, Mike
Johnston, said:
“We are delighted that Caroline has achieved
the highest exam score in the country for her RHS course this
year.
“This is an outstanding achievement for both
Caroline and for Shuttleworth College and is an indication of the
high standards of excellence that we set for our students and their
commitment and dedication.”
The horticulture centre at Shuttleworth
College was started by Ann Waring (Lecturer in Horticulture) in
1998 and has since gone from success to success with a full range
of full and part time courses available.
Students who study horticulture at the College
range from budding gardeners to head gardeners, people wanting to
start their own gardening businesses or who want a change of
career. Their exam success and talent can be seen blooming
in the gardens and landscapes of Bedfordshire and beyond.
Ann explained:
“We care about our students and want to see
them achieve the best that they can in their studies.
Although the College has grown it still has a family atmosphere
where students can learn in the beautiful surroundings of
Shuttleworth. They then take that experience with them as they take
up careers in horticulture worldwide.”
Award winning Caroline Corkett has her own
gardening business where she maintains gardens for clients with a
variety of gardens from the smallest to 4 acres. She
added:
“I was surprised and delighted to receive the
award. You have to be self motivated and committed to take on
the RHS course but it definitely worth all the hard work and
effort. Especially when studying at evening classes!
“A crucial part of success is the learning
environment and at Shuttleworth College it is excellent. Ann
Waring has offered encouragement and help every step of the way.
“I have loved studying here and meeting other
people on the course. As a gardener you often work alone and
it has been fascinating to meeting other gardeners to share ideas
and experiences. It's been hard work but good fun.
“Studying at Shuttleworth College has given me
the impetus to carry on learning and I am now keen to study for the
RHS Diploma.”
As part of the award Caroline received £15 of
horticulture books which was presented at the RHS Awards Ceremony
in London.