Growing Futures students graduated on Friday 23rd July! The nine students finished the year on the education course for 16–19-year-olds based at Newquay Orchard.
The graduation ceremony, held in the community field at Newquay Orchard, was a chance to say goodbye and congratulate this fantastic group of young people for everything they have achieved in their first year.
Growing Futures offers young people education opportunities beyond the classroom. It is a learning environment where they can gain experience in horticulture and landscaping as well as developing their confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Sarah Anthony, Education Manager at Newquay Orchard, said: “We are so proud of our students and everything they have achieved throughout what has been a hugely challenging past year.”
“This year has been another particularly hard one for education, with online learning becoming a huge part of the global learning experience. Our students embraced all of these changes and we were delighted that they not only stuck at it, but absolutely thrived,” she added.
The students were presented with framed haikus they had written themselves and their very own cookbook filled with recipes that they developed together during lockdown.
Gemma Lewry, Education Officer, said: “The practical impact this team of learners has had on Newquay Orchard this year cannot be understated; the field in which we stand on was turfed, seeded, and terraced with their help. It’s a legacy they can all be immensely proud of.”
Growing Futures student Jess has also enjoyed helping share the Newquay Orchard story, taking centre stage in professional videos, photo shoots and even offering tours to visitors.
Jess said: “I have absolutely loved this year. Meeting new people, doing new things; it’s a world away from my experience at school and I couldn’t be happier.”
This year’s students achieved their Employability, Learning and Progression Certificate, Maths and English certificates and carried out over 150 hours of work experience.
Sarah continued: “Some will be progressing on to year 2 of our programme but all have become excellent advocates for Newquay Orchard; gaining practical skills in various industries such as horticulture, woodwork, cooking and landscaping.”
“For those leaving us we will miss them, and we wish them all the best for their futures,” she added.
The education team at Newquay Orchard will be hosting weekly taster events throughout the summer holidays for 15–25-year-olds which will give visitors a chance to see what learning outdoors is like with activities including foraging, natural dyes and even ice cream making. Find out more about the taster events.