Ella Cook has always had a passion for animals; especially horses. She has been riding from the age of 8 years old and is currently a rider at Bartley Riding Academy in Whitford.

So when the opportunity came up through Sancta Maria College’s Gateway programme to get real work-experience at Woodlands Stud in Clevedon, Ella jumped at the chance.

The day started bright and early. It is currently weaning season, so there was plenty of work helping to wean the foals as well as general mucking out work.

Ella got to meet Studmaster Tony Grayling and his team who are responsible for all aspects of onsite management from breeding, foaling and weaning.

Ella would like her future career to take her either into Police work or working with animals such as horses. She found the experience at Woodlands to be very valuable.

Gateway is a programme that offers work experience to Year 12 and 13 students.
Students will have an opportunity to work a minimum of 30-40 hours in a workplace environment and complete Unit Standards that relate to the work they are doing.
If you or your child have more questions about the Gateway programme please come and see our Careers team.