Alfie joined Radley’s Gardens Team in September 2018 as an Apprentice Gardener. He completed his apprenticeship in 2021 gaining a distinction grade and this spurred him on to return to college last year in a bid to complete his A-Levels and realise his dream of studying palaeontology at university. I caught up with Alfie to find out how he’s finding returning to the books.
I moved to Oxford from Lancaster in 2016 and did a year of sixth form which I didn’t enjoy at all. Having had time away and now having the motivation of knowing exactly what I want to do at the end of my course, it’s been a much better experience so far.
I’m studying Maths, Chemistry and Biology A-Levels as part of an Access to Higher Education course, which means I take them in one year. We sit exams continuously over the year, rather than learning the syllabus over two years and sitting exams at the end of the course. That works much better for me. The first term we covered exam skills which have been really helpful.
How do you fit studying around work? Or the other way around!
Since September I have moved to working part-time at Radley, two days a week, and have three days at college. Some days are full of lessons and others have gaps which mean it’s easier to fit studying in.
How has Radley supported you in changing your role?
Mike Ginger (Head Gardener) has been really supportive and Ellie Rivers (Part-time Gardener) is currently doing an apprenticeship so works part-time the three days I’m not here.
What motivated you to decide to go back to college?
I’m always happiest when I’m learning something. Once I’d finished my Horticulture Apprenticeship I was keen to continue onto the next level, but it focusses on management skills rather than what I was interested in – the science of horticulture. What fascinates me is how plants function and what gives them their smell and colour. I also love learning about the naming of plant species.
What is your plan for the future?
My last exam will be in May and I’ve applied for university, starting this September. I’ve received offers from Bristol and Portsmouth but my first choice is Palaeontology and Evolution at Bristol University – their Geology department is magnificent. It’s really exciting but there are only 32 places on the course so waiting to find out if I’ve been successful will be nerve-wracking!
Can you tell us a highlight of your time here?
I designed a new planting scheme in Paton’s Quad after a very dry period followed by a very cold period which meant a lot of the plants there died off. I also helped design the bed by the entrance to the servery opposite D Social which I wanted to be a functioning kitchen garden. There are apples and pears there which can be picked.
What makes Radley a special place to work?
It’s such a friendly place to work and I have a great boss who is approachable and flexible.
What’s changed during your time at Radley?
Mike Ginger has brought in a lot of plants that look good but are relatively low effort in terms of maintenance. We’re replacing plants with hardier species due to the changes in weather conditions.
What’s your favourite gardening job?
I love coppicing the hazels by College pond. It’s very meditative! A bit like mowing the lawns in the summer.
What would be your dream job?
Working at the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. Natural asphalt trapped mammoths, saber-toothed cats, wolves and other animals, meaning their bones were perfectly preserved.
Do you have time for anything away from work and studying?
I love a hobby! I enjoy making miniature models for board games like War Hammer and Dungeons & Dragons. I like playing board games and video games. I also do wood whittling and I enjoy going fossil hunting.
