Outdoor Learning Project on the Estate

Hopetoun Estate is providing young students with the opportunity to put learning into practice as part of the Estate’s outreach programme that aims to support ‘hands on’ learning in outdoor spaces.  Ten students from Craigroyston Community High School, working towards National 4 Landscape Gardening (Rural Skills), took part in a two-day session, which focused on building practical skills.

Building on what the young people had been taught in school, the S5 and S6 pupils worked with Hopetoun Estate staff to replace broken slabs, re-tension wire fences, repair gates, fences and path edges and clean a blocked field drain outlet.

Aiming to build on the pupils’ employability skills, teachers and the Hopetoun Estate team worked in partnership to pass on practical skills, instill confidence and showcase the value of team working.

It is hoped that through the combination of classroom learning and practical experience, the students will gain the skills and the qualifications to secure employment once they leave school.

Commenting on the experience, Patricia McLeod, Craigroyston Community High School teacher said:  “The Hopetoun Estate team are really encouraging, approachable and knowledgeable.  The students really valued the experience and I know would welcome the chance to return to this beautiful and welcoming estate.”

Hopetoun Estate provides numerous opportunities for students to visit the estate to learn about food, farming and rural life including working with the Royal Highland Education Trust, a charity that aims to show children where their food comes from.

Categories:  Hopetoun Estate