Blooming great course at Bicton College (From Mid Devon Star)

Blooming great course at Bicton College

11:00am Friday 1st February 2008 in News By Lloyd Vaughan

FLORESTRY students from Bicton College in East Devon will be the first to complete a new degree level floristry qualification.

Bicton was chosen to pilot the new Higher Diploma in Floristry (level 4) course, which replaces the Intermediate Certificate Society of Floristry, ICSF, due to its reputation and highly qualified senior tutor, Tina Parkes.

The students, who started the pilot course in September 2006, have just completed their final practical exam.

The designs they created were sold off to fellow students and staff, raising £75 for Bramble Children's Ward at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.

Each student also had to sit a theory exam and complete a wide range of course work/assignments and practical assessment, culminating in an extensive portfolio of work.

Course tutor and Dutch Master, Tina Parkes, said: "The course has stretched both their practical skills and theoretical understanding in many areas including Latin and plant science, business studies, marketing and the developing design concepts from many highly recognisable international designers.' The students, who attended college once a week and came from as far away as Falmouth and Aylesbury, will not receive their final results until the beginning of March.

Donna Cann, from Susan's Florist in Crediton and runner-up in the UK Skills Floristry competition 2006, said: "I have a real feel now for what the top international designers are creating and can offer these new trends to our customers.

"The course has made me much more confident in my work, particularly speaking with people and presenting ideas. This is a high level qualification which will be good for my future in the industry."

The Higher Diploma and its follow up the Master Diploma of Professional Floristry are two higher level qualifications that have been designed to enable students to lead and support the way floral design develops in the future, both in the national market and to compete with and influence the international floristry scene.

To find out more about this course, come to an open classroom day on Monday, February 4 between 12.30pm and 7.45pm at Bicton College, or contact Tina Parkes on 01395-562368.