The Floristry Department at Plumpton College has been an active and busy department for a long time. Many years ago it was founded by one of the original members of the Society of Floristry and originally provided courses for just one afternoon a week.
The department has gone from strength to strength and now offers a wide range of professional qualification programmes ranging from the Level 1 Land Based studies to the Higher Diploma in Floristry (HDF), as well as Plumpton College Certificate Introductory and Advanced short courses and one day workshops.
There are several dedicated floristry classrooms both in the main college and within the College’s Horticultural Centre for Vocational Excellence. All classrooms have working height purpose built work-stations and ergonomic stools. There are photographic areas – photo light boxes /display materials and free-standing spotlights to enable students to take excellent photographs for their portfolios.
There is also an extensive range of floristry equipment for students to use whilst they are learning, including microscopes, display stands, glass fronted floristry cooler and a wide range of on-trend fresh and sundry products sourced from around the world.
The estate grounds and Horticulture greenhouses stock a wide range of indoor and outdoor plants to help with plant identification.
The Floristry team pride itself on making your course enjoyable and fun as well as hard work. During the year visits to New Covent Garden, local wholesalers, nurseries and often to the bulb fields of Holland are included in the course where possible.
Active involvement in entering National Floristry competitions is encouraged as part of each programme:
- UK Skills/BFA Nationals
- New Covent Garden competition
- Chelsea, Hampton Court
- South of England Show
- WorldSkills International – We are very fortunate in that one of the staff is the World Skills Training Manager in floristry and this brings a wealth of experience to the Department.
The Department has won many awards. Over the past five years it has had outstanding competition results, including;
- Fusion Flowers Gold designer award (twice),
- FE Sussex awards
- 5 Medal of Excellence awards from City and Guilds
- Hampton Court silver medal
- South of England show prizes
- Covent Garden Inter-College win
- Chelsea Florist of the year/Chelsea Young Florist of the year – Steph Willoughby’s ex World Skill competitors have progressed to achieving 6 Gold medals at Chelsea this year alone and 11 Gold medals overall.
Meet the Floristry Team:
Steph Willoughby: Head of section: Programme leader for Level 3 Diploma and Higher Diploma Level 4 in floristry. WorldSkills Training Manager for the UK. Judges Guild member. International Judge.
Sue Maguire: Programme leader for Level 2 Diploma in Floristry and Work based qualifications, including Apprenticeship programmes.
Laura Beale: Tutor for Level 2 Diploma in Floristry.
Sara Greenwood: Tutor for Introductory/Intermediate and Advanced Wedding courses, Traineeship programmes.
Jo Mooney: Floristry Tutor for Land Based studies Level 1 and Traineeship programmes.
Full-time courses
Floristry (City & Guilds Level 1, Award, Certificate and Diploma)
Tutor: Jo Mooney
Duration: Three days per week for one year
This is a three day per week full time programme aimed at primarily school leavers (16-18 year olds) who have an active interest in floristry and arts and crafts. The programme comprises basic floristry techniques, employment skills, work related experience and support to develop skills in English and Maths and general life skills.
The Land Based Studies Qualification (City & Guilds) can be taken at either Award, Certificate or Diploma levels depending on the amount of support each student will require.
Entry Requirements
Students will be 16 years +
An Entry Level qualification
E3 – L1 in Numeracy and Literacy
It is important that potential students have an active interest in floristry + art and craft techniques
Indicative Programme Content
- Basic floristry techniques
- Creating floral designs to a junior florist level
- Conditioning of fresh floral materials
- Care of houseplants
- Health and safety skills
- Customer skills
- Display techniques
- English & maths
Qualification Gained
- City & Guilds Award in Land Based Studies
- City & Guilds Certificate in Land Based Studies
- City & Guilds Diploma in Land Based Studies
- College award, Functional Skills or GCSEs in English and maths
- Career Progression
- Level 2 Floristry Awards or Certificate depending on ability
- Level 1 Certificates and Diplomas for those who achieved an Award
- Level 2 Awards or Certificates in Floristry
- Traineeship within the Floristry industry
Apprenticeship
Floristry (City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma)
Tutor: Sue Maguire/Sara Greenwood/Laura Beale
Duration: Two days a week Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/Friday + additional theory day
A professional and commercial floristry qualification suitable for complete beginners to floristry (equivalent to A-C GCSE Level). It offers a foundation programme for a rewarding and worthwhile career. A modular programme with each unit building towards the completion of the Diploma. Alternatively, an Award and Certificate can be gained with fewer credits.
The course is suitable for school leavers or adults interested in a career change. Applicants should demonstrate a clear interest in the subject as well as art and design skills. The programme consists of 10 units with each consisting of practical and theory content. Written assignments are set for each unit. 21 Practical timed assessments also need to be passed.
Entry Requirements
Students will be 16+ on entry
2 GCSE passes at A-D ideally in English and Art
Functioning at L1 or above in Literacy and Numeracy, an additional Initial Assessment will be mandatory
Mature applicants who do not possess any of the above will be considered on individual merit
Indicative Programme Content
- 40 hours’ work experience – mandatory
- Identification and processing of cut materials and pot plants (8 credits)
- Introduction to art and design for florists (6 credits)
- Introduction to plant processes and planted design (4 credits)
- Hand tied and presentation designs (6 credits)
- Funeral and sympathy designs (10 credits)
- Floral design(10 credits)
- Basic wedding designs and accessories (12 credits)
- Display of goods (6 credits)
- Introduction to working in the industry (8 credits)
- Introduction to function decorating (6 credits)
- Multiple choice test
- Health and Safety additional qualifications (Manual handling, safe working practices)
- English & maths
Qualifications Gained
- City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Floristry
- College award, Functional Skills or GCSEs in English and maths
- Career Progression
- Upon successful completion of the programme at a minimum of Merit grade, students may progress to the Level 3 Diploma or obtain employment in the floristry industry.
Floristry (City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma)
Tutor: Stephanie Willoughby
Duration: Two days a week
An advanced professional and commercial floristry programme – a natural progression from the Level 2 Diploma in Floristry. A modular programme, each unit is credited. This qualification is aimed at candidates who wish to develop their existing floristry skills. The course consists of 9 units of which all must be passed to achieve the Diploma. Each unit has theoretical and practical content. Written assignments are set for each unit and there are 17 timed practical assessments to pass
Entry Requirements
Students will normally have at least one of the following:
- At least 4 GCSE passes at A-C
- A recognised Level 2 Floristry qualification i.e. Level 2 Diploma or Work-based Level 2 in Floristry at minimum of Merit grade
- Functioning L2 Literacy and Numeracy
- Indicative Programme Content
- 80 hours floristry work experience – mandatory
- Creative design process (7 credits)
- Diverse flower and plant care (7 credits)
- Diverse tied floral designs (12 credits)
- Diverse floral designs for weddings and formal occasions (12 credits)
- Assemble diverse floral arrangements (12 credits)
- Assemble diverse sympathy tributes (12 credits)
- Working in the floristry industry (13 credits)
- Process, cost and evaluate sales (5 credits)
- Function and event decoration (7 credits)
- English & maths
Qualifications Gained
- City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Floristry
- College award, Functional Skills or GCSEs in English and maths
Career Progression
- Satisfactory completion at Distinction level enables progression to Levels 4 and 5
- Alternatively, employment – Floristry shops and businesses
- Self employed florist
- Part-time courses
- City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Floristry
A professional and commercial floristry qualification suitable for complete beginners to floristry (equivalent to A-C GCSE Level). It offers a foundation programme for a rewarding and worthwhile career. A modular programme with each unit building towards the completion of the Diploma. Alternatively, an Award and Certificate can be gained with fewer credits. Applicants should demonstrate a clear interest in the subject as well as art and design skils. The programme consists of 10 units with each consisting of practical and theory content. Written assignments are set for each unit. 21 Practical timed assessments also need to be passed.
Duration: 3 terms
Entry requirements: 2 GCSE passes at A- D, Functioning at L1 or above in English and Maths and 40 hours work experience
City and Guilds Diploma in Floristry Level 3
An advanced professional and commercial floristry programme – a natural progression from the Level 2 Diploma in Floristry. A modular programme, each unit is credited. This qualification is aimed at candidates who wish to develop their existing floristry skills. The course consists of 9 units of which all must be passed to achieve the Diploma. Each unit has theoretical and practical content. Written assignments are set for each unit and there are 17 timed practical assessments to pass
Duration: 3 terms
Entry requirements: At least 4 GCSE A-C, a L2 qualification in floristry, functioning at L2 or above in English andMaths and 80 hours work experience
Diploma in Work-based Floristry Level 2 (City and Guilds)
This day release course will equip you with a wide range of floristry skills including presentation and display, sympathy and basic wedding floristry, plant and flower care. You will study the art of merchandise display, customer service and safety in the workplace. Most of the course assessment will be carried out in the workplace. A ‘starter kit’ will be provided but this does NOT include flowers or sundries. Evidence of the course is built into a portfolio. You will need to be working either voluntarily or in paid employment for a minimum of 16 hours per week in a florist workplace.
Duration: 18 months
Entry requirements: No formal qualifications but students must be at level 1 or above in English and Maths
City and Guilds Diploma in Work based Floristry Level 3
This day release programme is a progression route from Level 2 Diploma in floristry to learn all aspects advanced designer and commercial floral design. You will complete a portfolio of evidence of floristry products and short written assignments. Work place assessors will visit your workplace every 8-10 weeks to assess your progress. Flowers and sundries are not included in the course fees.You will need to be working either voluntarily or in paid employment for a minimum of 16 hours per week in a florist workplace. Some areas of responsibility in the workplace would be beneficial.
Duration: 3 terms
Entry requirements: No formal qualifications but students must be at level 1 or above in English and Maths
Higher Diploma in Floristry (HDF) Level 4 Scheme: 0344-40
A one day a week intensive programme designed for progression from the Level 3 Diplomas in floristry. The course is a practical based foundation degree equivalent. The course does not include flowers and sundries
Duration: 3 terms
Entry requirements: L3 Diploma in Floristry at minimum of Merit level, floristry experience and functioning at L2 English and Maths
Floristry Traineeships
A short course for 16-24 year olds who are keen to learn a practical floristry skill, improve their employability, English, Maths and ICT skills. This course will assist you in finding paid employment, a full apprenticeship or access to further training, subject to suitability
Date: Throughout the year
Time: 09:30 – 16:45
Duration: 10 Sessions
Entry requirements: unemployed and have little or no work experience and aged 16 to 24 and qualified below Level 3
Beginners Floristry (Evening course)
This 10 week evening course is aimed at beginners. You will understand how to care for and condition flowers and then go on to create a range of beautiful floral designs to include hand tied bouquets, buttonholes, centre pieces, sympathy and wedding flowers. The cost of flowers and sundries are not included in the course fees. Progression to Intermediate Floristry, NCFE level 2 or Level 2 Diploma in Floristry.
Duration: 10 weeks
Intermediate Floristry (Evening course)
This 10 week evening course is suitable for people with some prior knowledge of floristry or a continuation of the Beginners floristry course. You will cover a range of floral designs using traditional and contemporary methods at a higher level of skill.
Duration: 10 weeks
Intermediate Floristry (Evening course)
This 10 week evening course is suitable for people with some prior knowledge of floristry or a continuation of the Beginners floristry course. You will cover a range of floral designs using traditional and contemporary methods at a higher level of skill.
Duration: 10 weeks
NCFE Level 2 Creative Craft – Introduction to Floristry
This is a part time course, one day a week for 20 weeks aimed at beginners and people with some experience who wish to obtain a qualification in Floristry. The course is aimed at sole traders, i.e. people who wish to work from home or to work part time in a florists shop.
The course will cover the basic floristry skills including conditioning techniques, Principles and Elements of design, Hand tied and gift wrapping , Floral arrangements, Funeral and wedding designs. It will enable you to progress to the Level 3 NCFE Certificate or the Level 2 Diploma in Floristry. You will complete a portfolio of work to be assessed for the qualification.
Duration: 20 weeks
Advanced Wedding Designs & Specialist Function Flowers – NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Creative Crafts
This exciting 22 week course gives students the opportunity to become specialist floral designers in wedding work and function decorating. Learn all the latest advanced techniques to create bespoke designer wedding bouquets as well as more traditional designs. You will learn different ideas for decorating wedding venues; from large pedestals to contemporary table centres, using a range of alternative materials and sundries. This course is suitable for students with a level 2 Floristry qualification or with experience working within the floristry industry. A portfolio of work is required to complete this qualification.
Duration: 22 weeks
Apprenticeship
Intermediate Apprenticeship in Floristry
This course is designed for those in full-time paid employment in the Floristry industry. Your work placement and your day in College will cover all aspects of the Apprenticeship and allow you to further develop your knowledge and skills.
Floristry involves designing, creating, retailing and delivering floral displays. This programme will equip you with a wide range of floristry skills, such as display, wedding floristry and plant care.
There is a wide choice of job opportunities as a florist working in a shop, freelance florist, event designer and teaching others.
The Framework includes:
- Occupational Qualification – Diploma in Work-Based Floristry level 2
- Technical Certificate – Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service
- Functional skills in English and Maths Level 1
- Employment rights and responsibilities
- Personal learning and thinking skills
Duration: Thursdays for 18 months
Date: Three starting points – September, January and May
Advanced Apprenticeship in Floristry
This course is designed for those in paid full-time employment in the Floristry industry working at a supervisory level. The Apprenticeship is an excellent way to develop your skills while working in the industry. Your work placement and your day in College will cover all aspects of the Diploma and allow you to further develop your knowledge and skills.
• Occupational Qualification – Diploma in Work-Based Floristry level 3
• Technical Certificate – Level 3 Certificate in Customer Service
• Functional skills in English and Maths Level 2
• Employment rights and responsibilities
• Personal learning and thinking skills
Duration: Tuesdays for 2 years
Date: Three starting points – September, January and May
14-16 Career Focused Vocational/Technical Courses
City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Land-based Studies (Floristry)
Eligibility: 14-16 year olds (Years 10 & 11) attending independent schools, state schools or in home education
Attendance: 1 day per week for 2 years at Plumpton College main site.
General information:
Students will have the opportunity to take part in practical activities as well as academic study of knowledge related to the units detailed below. Emphasis is placed on the development of core repeatable skills and developing a culture of safe working. Students can use this course to make a judgement on future career paths whilst still studying GCSE’s at school. This course does not replace GCSE study at school but does result in a nationally recognised vocational qualification. Students should discuss with their school or educational advisor the suitability of including this course within their programme of GCSE study.
Course Units (Total 24 credits)
Unit 101 Safe and effective working practices in land-based industries
Unit 112 Carry out basic floristry tasks
Unit 114 Produce and maintain shop displays
Unit 116 Assemble basic floral designs
Assessment:
Students will be expected to demonstrate competency based knowledge and ability through observations, discussions, oral questioning and portfolio development. Course units are graded Pass or Fail. On-line test and portfolio are graded Pass/Merit/Distinction.
Progression:
- On successful completion the student’s progression will depend upon other GCSE’s achieved.
- For progression to a Level 2 Diploma course students should aim to achieve two further GCSE’s (ideally to include English, Maths or Science) at grade D or above.
- Progression to a Level 3 course requires 4 GCSE passes at grade C or above (ideally to include English, Maths and Science).
- Alternatively progression into the industry through an apprenticeship is possible.
- All students who have completed a 14-16 Career focused course can progress (subject to GCSE requirements above) onto another or different vocational area.
CONTACT
General Tel No: 01273 890 454
Work based learning team Contact Tel No: 01273 892030
Email: wbl@plumpton.ac.uk
Website: www.plumpton.ac.uk
Address;
Ditchling Road,
Plumpton,
East Sussex
BN7 3AE
Please note that the information provided was accurate at the date of publication. However, courses are continually being modified and information is therefore subject to change, please see the college website for the latest information
