1. Home
2. A green future: a glimpse into the school life of some horticulture students

A green future: a glimpse into the school life of some horticulture students

19/06/2024 - 08:30

A few months ago, we interviewed Johan Beernaert, a teacher at COOVI Horticultural School in Anderlecht, Belgium. Inspired by the article, Sacha Mennens, one of his students, reached out to us with an excellent idea: to conduct an interview with several students from the horticulture department. With recording equipment and a great deal of enthusiasm, we headed back to Anderlecht…

We meet up again with Johan but this time accompanied by some of his students: Sacha, Theo and Imran.

Hello, Johan. Thank you for organizing this interview and securing the necessary permissions and use of the classroom at COOVI. We especially appreciate you allowing us to take some of your students out of class for this​.

Johan

No problem. I received positive reactions to my own interview and wanted to give the same opportunity to the students. All credit to Sacha actually, who took the initiative himself.

Hello Sacha. Nice to finally meet you. I was pleasantly surprised by your e-mail asking me to interview you. A very cool idea (laughs). Tell me: who did you bring with you?

Sacha

Two fellow students from the 4th year = 2nd year AMFT (abbreviation in Dutch for “Labour Market Finality” degree), Theo and Imran.

Nice to meet you guys. Can you introduce yourselves briefly please?

Theo

Imran

Sacha

“De Wereld van S” ("The World of S") can be heard on Spotify:

All three of you initially chose something else but ended up going for horticulture. Why exactly?

Imran

When you first arrive at this school, you can choose from several options: 'hotel', 'butchery', 'bakery', or 'horticulture' - four choices in total. In the first year, you get a taste of each area, and from the second year onward, you select your final direction.

Sacha

It's just a very nice direction, with a good atmosphere. Everyone knows everyone. But of course you don't know that in advance (laughs).

So are you the only 3 horticulture students in the 4th year​?

Sacha

No, there are four more fellow students: Liam, Camille, Milan and Jhonny. So, there are 7 of us in the 4 AMF T.

What is the difference between horticulture in AMF and DF? What do these acronyms mean exactly?

Imran

AMF stands for "Labour Market Finality" in Dutch. It used to be called BSO (=vocational studies). In AMF, you have a lot more practical sessions.

In DF meaning "Dual Finality" (prior TSO = technical studies) there is a lot more theory. DF is more difficult.

What does a school week look like for you​?

Sacha

We are now in 2nd grade AMF LT Plant, Animal and Environment.

On Mondays, we usually start with 2 hours of theory in the subject 'Animal'. This is followed by two hours of practical work, focusing on animal care and related tasks. We also have Dutch on Mondays, but that is a general subject.

And what exactly does 'animal' have to do with horticulture​?

Theo

In fact, with our degree, you can pursue various career paths. You can specialize in animal care and learn how to handle animals, or even become a teacher.

Sacha

And we also learn about insects, which are important in the garden.

OK, I get it. Sorry, I interrupted you. Tell us more about your week…

Imran

On Tuesdays, we start with French. An hour of theory on Plant and Environment, followed by the 'tutorial hour'. During this time, we can talk to our head teacher (coach), Mr. Beernaert, about how things are going at school and other concerns.

Sacha

In the afternoon, we have four hours of practical sessions: three hours of 'Plant and Environment' and one hour of 'Machinery'. The 'Machinery' class is quite varied; for example, we might tinker with a birdhouse or repair the roof of the goat enclosure.

Imran

On Wednesdays, we have only general subjects and 2 hours of religion.

Theo

Thursdays are entirely practical, with four hours each for 'Plant' and 'Animal'. However, the schedule can also include two hours of theory followed by two hours of practical application. We have lessons all day, filled with hands-on work with the animals, in the open-air city garden, or in the tunnel and greenhouse at the Neerpede domain.

Imran

Finally, on Fridays we only have general subjects. And also physical education.

And what are the favourite subjects​?

Sacha, Theo and Imran unanimously:

The practical subjects!

Theo

In 'machinery' we are also allowed to come up with our own ideas. At least if they are feasible…

Imran

It's actually a pity that we still have so few practical subjects. However, in the 5th and 6th years, specifically in the 3rd grade Horticulture and Landscaping, there is much more practical work. Each year, we get a bit more hands-on experience. We're now in the 4th year, and we could choose horticulture starting from year 2. So, this is already our 3rd year in horticulture.

Sacha

In the 5th year, 'Animal', for example, drops out: that is then replaced by extra lessons in 'Horticulture'.

Do you also effectively work outside, in the garden​?

Imran

Yes, in the 'Plant' section, we work in the greenhouses or out in the fields, especially when the weather gets better.

Sacha

We learn how to sow, pot, and a bit of everything related to plant care. We also learn about the best soil for different plants, how much water they need, and the optimal times for sowing or planting. We always start with some theory and then move on to practical applications.

And drawing or designing gardens: do you learn that at school?

Imran

Yes, but that's only from the 5th year onwards. I personally look forward to that very much.

Do you also learn about soils and soil amendments?

Sacha

A little bit. We do learn some theory, but the technical courses provide a more in-depth theoretical background. In vocational studies, the focus is much more on practical skills.

A little test then: what do you know about "soil"? I know it’s a very general and open question... (laughs​)

Theo

We learn that there are different types of soil: sand, loam and clay. And also how to do a pH test. Or figure out from a soil analysis what might be deficient.

Congratulations! You have passed the test with flying colours!
And are you familiar with TerraCottem​?

Sacha

Yes, last year your colleague visited Mr. Beernaert's class and provided a great explanation. Mr. Beernaert also discussed it in detail.

Good to hear. Let’s think a bit further ahead. After school, how do you envision your future? Where do you see yourself in the job market? What is your wildest dream​?

Sacha

I dream of having my own business, a shop. A garden centre or something similar.

Theo

I would love to start my own flower shop. With cut flowers and so on. I can't really say why (laughs), ... it just seems like a lot of fun.

Imran

I want to be a garden designer. Designing gardens really seems like the perfect fit for me. I'll definitely need to continue my studies, but that doesn't deter me at all.

To realize these dreams, what challenges do you think you'll face? Are there any specific hurdles you'll need to overcome​?

Theo

I would like to do an internship in a flower shop to gain experience. Hopefully, after I graduate, I can start working there for a few years to learn everything and save up some money (laughs). Eventually, I'd like to start my own business.

Sacha

I think this is a solid plan. It's important not to rush and to proceed step by step with a clear goal in mind. Starting a business is a significant undertaking, so I know I have a lot to learn and a lot of experience to gain along the way.

Imran

I also want to gain experience and gather additional information to build my knowledge.

Do you think climate change will have an impact on your future job?

Sacha

"Nature is confused, which means we must ensure we're doing the right things at the right times. We'll need to be flexible: if it's too wet, what can we do that day? And what should we do if it's too hot, for example? Adaptability will be key."

Theo

"I think we will need to find many new ways to design gardens, taking into account both periods of excessive rain and dry spells. We need to consider where all that water should go during heavy rains, and what measures to take during droughts."

Imran

"Yes, and I'll need to take that into account when designing my gardens. I'll have to choose the right plants, possibly different ones than we use now. This will require a lot of knowledge and careful planning."

Thank you very much for this great chat, guys. I wish you all the best for your exams and future careers. I hope your dreams come true!

If you know someone who would also like to read this article, feel free to copy the link and share.