In the first year of college, students are introduced to a variety of crafts through practical work.  They will source clay, wool, willow and beeswax and then process and transform these materials into beautiful items, participating in clay work, felting, basketry and candle-dipping.   

Students follow the seasons, working both outdoors and indoors accordingly and will gain an appreciation of the crafts, finding inspiration to participate in subsequent craft workshops at The Mount. 

In addition to these crafts, College 1 students attend sessions in The Mount's other workshops (see below) which inform their decisions for their craft specialisms in College 2 and College 3.

Art is available to all college students as they explore a range of processes and techniques such as print making, drawing, painting, marbling and mosaic design.

They will have an immersive experience in colour, culture and form and learn about different international artists and various cultures, building an awareness of their environment and the rhythm of the seasons through their art.  

Students develop skills in communication, social interaction, following instructions, staying on task and perseverance.  They develop confidence and self-esteem through completion of their artwork and take pride in sharing their knowledge and skills with others.

Students in College 1 will attend sessions in the Bakery learning different skills and techniques making the weekly bread rolls for The Mount community. 

In College 2 and College 3, bakery students work in a small group setting, developing skills through practical and theoretical learning using a range of different techniques, equipment and ingredients.  Recipes increase in complexity as students learn to make fresh, home-baked biscuits, cakes and breads from a variety of countries.

Skills in hygiene awareness, health and safety are developed as well as confidence and self-esteem through completion of recipes and pride in sharing their bakes with others. 

The workshop bakes produce for regular tea breaks, meetings, bread and rolls for the community and family events. In addition, the Bakery students engage in a variety of social enterprise activities, such as for our occasional pop-up café (Café Mount), supplying local businesses and charity fundraising events. 

Students are given the opportunity, if appropriate, to complete an accredited Pearson Edexcel Entry Level qualification in Pre-vocational Study and Vocational Study.  Their personal EHCP and session aims are embedded within the Bakery curriculum.

Students in College 1 attend sessions in the Cookery workshop learning basic kitchen skills and making simple recipes.

In College 2 and College 3, students work in a small group setting developing cookery skills through practical and theoretical learning using a range of different skills, equipment, ingredients and techniques.

Students will learn to make fresh, home-cooked meals, taking into consideration seasonal and economical ways of cooking.  They will develop an awareness of nutrition, healthy eating and well-being and explore international cuisine.  Skills in working with greater independence are developed. 

Students are given the opportunity, if appropriate, to complete an accredited Pearson Edexcel Level 1 or Level 2 qualification in Home Cooking Skills.  EHCP and session aims are embedded within the Cookery curriculum.

The Garden offers an environment where students are given the opportunity to work in The Mount’s extensive walled garden, poly-tunnel and green-house in small groups.  Students will gain knowledge and experience of working with bio-dynamic gardening methods producing healthier plants and produce through nurturing the soil in a holistic way. 

Students develop gardening skills through practical and theoretical learning working with different seeds and plants, tools and equipment.  They will develop hand-eye coordination, and fine and gross motor skills, strength, stamina and perseverance.  Students will have an awareness of health and safety practices in the garden such as using and storing tools and equipment safely and wearing correct PPE. Functional skills are embedded within all gardening sessions.

Confidence and self-esteem are developed when working through each stage and process of the gardening cycle, from seed to harvest.  Students will take pride in providing produce for the community's meals. 

Students are given the opportunity, if appropriate, to complete an accredited Pearson Edexcel Level 1 Land Based Studies qualification and Entry Level qualifications in Pre-vocational Study. 

Students will work in small groups in the Pottery workshop to develop practical skills through project based learning using a range of different skills and techniques.  Their hand-eye coordination, and fine and gross motor skills will improve as their projects increase in complexity.   Techniques such as forming spirals, rolling out clay, throwing on the wheel, application of glazes and decorations will be taught.  Students will develop knowledge of kiln and firing processes.

Students will grow in confidence and self-esteem through completion of their pottery items and take pride in sharing their knowledge and skills with others.  They will develop skills in teamwork, awareness of health and safety, communication and social interaction, following written and verbal instructions, staying on task and perseverance.

Functional skills is embedded within all pottery sessions and students are given the opportunity, if appropriate, to complete an accredited Pearson Edexcel Entry Level qualification in Pre-vocational Study and Vocational Study. 

The Mount’s beautiful Weavery workshop is where students develop practical weaving skills through project based learning using a range of different sized and types of looms.  They develop their hand-eye coordination, and fine and gross motor skills as their projects increase in complexity.  Students work with a variety of different textiles such as cotton, linen, wool and silk and practice a range of different techniques such as weaving, silk painting, wet felting and needle felting.

Confidence and self-esteem are developed through the completion of woven items and students take pride in sharing their knowledge and skills with others, selling to the community, friends and family.

Students will develop skills in teamwork, awareness of health and safety, communication, social interaction, following written and verbal instructions, staying on task and perseverance during their weavery sessions.  They are given the opportunity, if appropriate, to complete an accredited Pearson Edexcel Entry Level qualification in Pre-vocational Study and Vocational Study.