Bicton College student praises Higher Diploma

Lauren Curry, a Higher Diploma in Floristry student from Bicton College, Devon, has spoken of how the level 4 has developed her skills.

Ms Curry won a Silver Gilt medal for her fantasy floral parasol at the prestigious RHS Young Chelsea Florist competition.

She said: “I feel the Higher Diploma in Floristry has helped me to mature as a florist and has certainly made me look at my work from a different perspective. It's broadened my mind and shown me different aspects of other artistic courses and crafts which I can blend with floristry and it's made me want to be as near to perfect as I can be when it comes to competition work.”

Bicton College is one of a few colleges offering the level 4 Higher Diploma and prestigious new Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry.

The level 4 is designed to offer an accessible step up from level 3 qualifications to aid personal and business development. It includes some of the most up-to-date developments in the industry – including international design principles; techniques, designs and styles.

The course content is wide and varied but aims to develop a full range of skills. Tutor Sarah Hills-Ingyon NDSF FSF, herself a Chelsea medalist said: “I believe these qualifications allow wider participation at the higher levels of floristry, encouraging and promoting the highest skills and design ability from participants.”