College oasis lets students’ skills blossom

STUDENTS with additional support needs have created an “oasis” at their college campus.

The 14 students from West Lothian College have been involved in the eco garden project, which will be used by staff and students alike.

They have transformed an area of land where an old creche was once situated and learned a range of skills, including teamwork and problem solving.

Alan Learmonth, Access Centre lecturer at the college, said: “I thought [the creche] represented an ideal opportunity for the learners to make a real difference.

“We are very keen for the students to embed their learning with practical tasks and this allowed them to do that. In fact, what with planting, tending and weeding, it was more practical than any of us initially realised. It has been a truly cross-college initiative, with numerous departments contributing to the eco garden.”