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YEAR 1
welcome to betonica
2025 - 2026
WELCOME
Welcome to Year 1 Starter Course of the Betonica Medical Herbalist Training Programme. Congratulations on taking your first steps into learning about the wonderful world of herbs and the body.
Please scroll down to the end of each of these pages to make sure you have carefully read all the preparation material. For example, this page has a set of steps at the end.
This introductory page contains the essential general course information and helps you prepare for the start of the academic year. You will be given access to the full Learning Platform at the start of the 2025 - 2026 academic year on 1st September 2025.
The school year is divided into three terms (Sept-Dec; Jan-May; Jun-August). Course materials are released 2-4 weeks prior to the start of term.
We will be going into more detail in regards to what’s expected of you throughout the year and examples of assignments etc., at your first seminar day on 13th September 2025.
HEAD OF YEAR 1
DR KIM WALKER
Researcher, Author & Medical Herbalist
Each year at Betonica has a lead teacher, known as the Head of Year. They are a point of contact for general student/course queries, pastoral support and feedback. On top of teaching sessions, the Head of Year will organise a group tutorial session at least once per term to review class learning. This will also be an opportunity for the student representative to provide course feedback.
Find out more about Kim: Kim Walker Research + Handmade Apothecary
Welcome! Thank you for choosing Betonica to embark upon your herbal journey. I am so pleased to support you on the first stages of your path, and hope we will know each other for many years to come. Please reach out if you have any questions.
— KIM WALKER, HEAD OF YEAR 1
TASKS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE START OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR
Prepare a dedicated study space for you to go to work in.
Buy a year planner and get planning assignments and study.
Read through each step of the learning platform to prepare for the year and complete any important tasks, for example, buying your reading list and working out how you learn best by working through study skills handbook.
Enter the seminar and tutorial dates into your diary / wall planner (please note that some short (1-2 hour) tutorials dates will be released in August).
Get out and start trying to identify plants over summer to get a head start.
At the end of August, come back to review the starter pages