Community groups and representatives from institutions around Duchy College Stoke Climsland enjoyed an “eye-opening” tour of the College and insights into the highly anticipated Future Farm.
More than 20 people from Stoke Climsland Parish Council, Church, Primary School, Social Club, Parish Hall, Scout Group, Old School Community Centre, Community Facilities Group, Post Office and Total Energy Solutions attended the tour.
The highlight was a presentation about the new facilities at Future Farm and the research and curriculum opportunities it will offer.
Head of College, Jamie Crisp, said the relationship Duchy Stoke Climsland has with the surrounding communities and Parish is “vital”.
“The response to this event was fantastic and allowed wider conversations around the green agenda, sustainability and the potential research outputs that Future farm could achieve in supporting Dairy Farming in the South West and UK,” he said.
“The College is going from strength-to-strength, with a focus on quality and learner experience. Many of our land-based sectors are changing dramatically and we are leading the way in ensuring we are training the next generation to thrive when they enter the modern workplace.”
Duchy College is part of The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), which now boasts multiple Ofsted inspectors in its senior team, which is almost unheard of in the education sector.
Chair of the Community Faculties Group, Derrick Parsons, said the tour of the campus, including the presentation on Future Farm, shed light on the many improvements and exciting projects taking place.
“Visiting Future Farm and hearing of the plans for the development of Duchy College Stoke Climsland was certainly an eye-opener,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to a return visit when everything is up and running.”
Vice Principal of TCCG, Kate Wills, Head of College, Farm Manager, James Coumbe, Head of Department – Land Based, Laura Black and Agri Tech Project Director, Robin Jackson, accompanied the touring group to answer questions.
“We work hard to maintain strong links with the local community,” James explained.
“The development of Future Farm will have positive permutations for many, including our local community, which at its heart is still very much rural focused. We were delighted that so many from Stoke Climsland took the time to come along and see and hear about our plans at what we hope will the first of a series of sessions.”
For more information on Future Farm, please visit www.cornwall.ac.uk/campaign/landing-page/future-farm/
Information on the range of courses available across The Cornwall College Group can be found at www.cornwall.ac.uk or call 0330 123 2523.