Saddled with a four-legged subject
Share
Saddled with a four-legged subject
https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/saddled-four-legged-subject
Bridles at Breadalbane will soon be a common feature of the Perthshire secondary as the school expands its vocational path for senior pupils.
The first course in equine studies to be organised by a school is being launched next session, along with separate Scottish Qualifications Authority-approved courses in horticulture and forestry.
Breadalbane Academy in Aberfeldy has run courses in gamekeeping for seven years but is now expanding its curriculum through a specially designed land-based studies department. For the first time, girls are expected to sign up.
John Low, the school’s headteacher, said: “We have got 30 kids at the moment and hope to go up to 50 on an annual basis. The courses are for anyone that is interested and there is a pretty broad range of pupils.”
The current session has seen practical courses in anything from dry stane dyking to building bridges and shearing sheep. “We bought a 12-seat Landrover and can get away up into the hills. It’s real work,” Mr Low said.
Support has come from the European Social Fund and Lantra, the land-based training agency. Perth College provides a lecturer for one day a week.
Scotland Plus 5
You've reached your limit of free articles this month. Subscribe for £1 per month for three months and get: