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Student Soundbites

Animal Management

Sarah Kearney 
Name:

Sarah Kearney,17

Course:

Animal Management National Diploma

Previous school: Priory School Dorking
Soundbite:

I am really enjoying my course as the practicals are good, the teachers are great and overall it is really enjoyable.

Next step: Going into work as a trainee veterinary nurse. 
Ultimate ambition: To become a qualified veterinary nurse.

Arboriculture

Daniel Nichols
Name: Daniel Nichols, 18  
Course: Arboriculture National Diploma
Previous school: Ash Manor
Soundbite: There is a good range of practical and theory work and good days out of campus looking at trees and surveying.
Next step: Job in a tree gang.
Ultimate ambition: To have my own business in a few years, making my own money and employing my own staff.

Countryside Management

Rhiannon Lee 
Name: Rhiannon Lee, 19 
Course:

Countryside Management National Diploma

Previous school: Kings International
Soundbite: I have been at Merrist Wood for 3 years and I have found it a very fulfilling experience. I have learnt a lot which I hope to take into the workplace.
Next step: I am currently setting up a small holding on a friend’s farm.
Ultimate ambition: To have my own working farm.

Equine

Dominik Buchwald 
Name:

Dominik Buchwald, 19

Course:

Horse Management National Diploma

Soundbite:

I really enjoy coming to the college, I have met some really nice people.

Next step:

I would like to get a job in the equine industry.

Ultimate ambition: Run a livery yard.

Floristry

Victoria Edwards 
Name:

Victoria Edwards,19

Course:

Floristry Diploma Level 3

Previous school: Priory School Dorking
Soundbite:

In my opinion, the college is excellent, with very approachable staff, who have lots of tips and skills they share. It has been a lovely course to attend and I have learnt so many new techniques that will be with me forever!

Next step:

Have been thinking about running my own shop next year but in the future I would like to return to study Level 4. 

Ultimate ambition: I would like to get experience at a London florists but mainly running my own business either from home or a shop.

Horticulture

Briony Howe 
Name:

Briony Howe, 18

Course:

Horticulture National Diploma

Previous school: Therfield
Soundbite:

Merrist Wood has been a fantastic influence on me and all the staff are great.

Next step: Either university, garden design diplomas or run a business.
Ultimate ambition: Be a garden designer.

Landscaping

Jason McAllister 
Name:

Jason McAllister,17

Course:

Landscape Construction National Certificate

Previous school: Ryde High School
Soundbite:

The course is exciting an enjoyable, with lots to learn about!

Next step: My next step will be to undertake the National Diploma stage of the course.
Ultimate ambition: I would like to become a landscaper and tree surgeon.

Public Services

Louise Horder 
Name:

Louise Horder,19 

Course:

Public Services National Diploma

Previous school: St Bede’s Sixth form College
Soundbite:

It’s a great course, I have learnt so much already. It’s a fantastic stepping stone for my future career in the public services.

Next step: I have applied to St Johns ambulance, with a view to becoming a paramedic.
Ultimate ambition: My ultimate ambition is to become a paramedic in the ambulance service.

Sport

Vicki Hames
Name:

Vicki Hames,18

Course:

Sport (Golf) National Diploma

Previous school: Fulbrook
Soundbite:

I enjoy the practical side of golf and lessons are good.

Next step: University to study the business side of golf e.g. club management.
Ultimate ambition:

I would like to get to a single figure handicap in a year.


Name:

Olasupo Johnson, 19 

Olasupo Johnson
Course:

Sport (Football) National Diploma

Previous school: Kings International College
Soundbite:

I’m enjoying the course because I get to play a variety of sports and learn about the body in action in different sports.

Next step: Hopefully go to university to study sport science.
Ultimate ambition: Physiotherapy.

Sports Turf

Luke Martin
Name:

Luke Martin, 21

Course:

Sports and Amenity Turf Management National Certificate  

Soundbite:

I selected this subject as I was interested in sports and had some experience after a work placement. I have loved the chance to find out more and gain qualifications at the same time!

Next step: Hopefully move onto a Level 3 Diploma and bring my skills to the workplace.
Ultimate ambition: Move up to a head groundsman position at a top football club.