Summerfield Stables - Horses in the community

As of September 2009 there will be places available for studying NVQ one and two in Horse care at Summerfield stables. This will be awarded by Warwickshire College but all study will be onsite at Summerfield Stables. These places are currently open for volunteers who help at the stables. Students are from the age of 14 to 16 and 18+. For 16 to 18 year olds it is necessary for students to study as part of an apprenticeship which is a bit more difficult to arrange. All students must be regular and committed in order to continue on the course of study as places are limited and it would be unfair if students who are not committed block other students from studying.

NVQs are work based qualifications and so they are assesed on your ability to do the tasks in practice rather than just understanding the theory of them or performing in a class environment. Future employers may prefer you to other candidates who have not done an NVQ because you will have a wealth of work experience from working in the industry as well as a nationally recognised qualification.

When compared to qualifications from school, college or university this is how NVQs compare:

* Level 1 = 5 GCSEs at grades D-G
* Level 2 = 5 GCSEs at grades A-C
* Level 3 = 2 A levels/1 vocational A level
* Level 4/5 = HNC, HND and degree level

Opportunities for any students of school age to spend one or more full days at the stables each week while on day
Referal criteria:

      Boys

      Girls

      Key stage 4

      Specific vocational interest

      Pupils still on school roll

      Pupils no longer on school roll

      School aged parents

      Challenging behaviour

      Poor attendance

      English as a second language

release from school

Students between 14 and 18 years old will study NVQ Level One  whilst on day release from school for one day a week. This must be arranged with their school and is subject to them being able to continue with their school work to the required standard. Some of the work at weekends may be used as part of the NVQ and so it is necessary that those studying the NVQ are riding at the stables during the period of study.

The train to gain initiative funds adults to train for NVQ level two in horse care for free. The NVQ 2 is equivalent to 5 GCSE grades C to A*. This requires a commitment of at least 6 hours a week but Warwickshire college have recommended that more time be allowed in order for students to make good progress.