Students wanting to work with animals will be able to stay at their school in the future as it launches a new course aimed at rural professions.
Barnard Castle School, which attracts students from across the North East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire, is introducing a BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Animal Management qualification from September.
The leading independent school attracts many pupils from the farming and landed community and in the past has seen some leave to attend specialist colleges rather than stay on at sixth form.
The new course, which is equivalent to an A Level, will allow them to stay on at school as well as attract new students interested in animal sector careers.
Head of biology and combined sciences Rebecca Gibson will deliver the course with biology teacher Dawn Trevor.
Divided into five units, it will provide learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills for working with animals and will be ideally suited to those with aspirations to pursue a career in animal care, farming, conservation, or the veterinary sphere.
Students will develop an understanding of animal behaviour, welfare, health and industry practices after combining theoretical learning with hands-on experience.
They will also hones skills in handling, health management and ethical considerations, opening doors to a variety of career opportunities in the animal sector and further education.
Units will include animal welfare and ethics, which explores principle including key legislation and ethical considerations surrounding animal use in farming, research and entertainment.
Practical animal husbandry will allow students to gain hands-on experience of caring for animals by learning how to meet their dietary, environmental and social needs, including correct handling techniques, enclosure maintenance and hygiene procedures.
The animal behaviour unit will help them understand why animals act in certain ways by studying instinctive and learned behaviours, methods of communication and responses to environmental changes. This applies to training domestic pets, managing zoo animals and understanding stress-related behaviours in farm animals.
Animal health and diseases will give students an insight into identifying signs of good and poor health in animals, covering topics such as disease prevention, treatment options and the roles of veterinary professionals.
It explores common illnesses and parasites affecting different species, as well as how to monitor and promote animal health effectively.
The course will also feature work experience in the animal sector including a veterinary clinic, farm, wildlife centre, or animal rescue organisation. The unit helps develop employability skills, industry knowledge and an understanding of career pathways within the animal sector.
To enrol students must have at least a grade 4 in GCSE biology or combined science.
The course is designed to complement a variety of other subjects, including biology, chemistry, PE and BTEC sport, geography, psychology, religious, ethical and philosophical studies.
It provides a strong foundation for careers in veterinary nursing, animal welfare and conservation, zoology and wildlife management, animal training and behaviour, equine science and management, farming and agricultural animal care and veterinary medicine if studied alongside biology and chemistry A level.
Headmaster, David Cresswell, said: “We are proud continually to evolve our academic offering to reflect the passions and ambitions of our students. The introduction of this BTEC is not only a response to the interests of our rural community, but a bold step forward in ensuring our pupils can pursue meaningful, industry-relevant qualifications without leaving the school they call home.
“This course embodies our commitment to character, equipping young people with the empathy, responsibility and resilience needed to care for animals and serve their communities. It also exemplifies our ambition, enabling students to explore diverse and exciting career paths while benefiting from the breadth and support of a Barney education.”
Mrs Gibson, who worked at London Zoo when she was studying for her master’s degree, said: “We will also help students become industry-ready so will help them build their CV, develop interview techniques, gain work experience and have practical contact with animals, anything from the school’s chickens, guineapigs, dogs and stick insects to farm stock and horses.”
Mrs Trevor added: “In years gone by the school had its own farm and this is going back to its roots. We are really excited about the new course and are sure it will prove very popular with a lot of students.”
Categories: Barnard Castle School School News
