PARKS AND RECREATION COURSE – STUDY AT HOME
TRAINING FOR:
This course provides a foundation for employment in the following roles: Parks Manager, Head Ranger, Parks Manager, Technical Officer, Park Interpretation Officer, Recreation Facility Manager, Vocational Trainer.
RECOGNITION:
ACS has outstanding credentials, This is also accredited through the International Accreditation and Recognition Council.
Requirements:
2,500 hours minimum nominal duration.
Being a self paced learning program, the student can study at a rate according to their ability and capabilities.
This course may be studied over 3 years or less on a full time basis, or up to 8 years on a part time basis.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
There are no academic pre-requisites for this course but it is expected that successful applicants have achieved an educational level that will enable the completion of the course objectives.
Entry to this course is based on:
- a person with 5 years industry experience;
- year 12 standard of education;
- mature age student.
Exemptions
Exemptions on past studies at diploma or higher levels may be granted (to cover no more than 33% of the entire course). A formal submission of Recognition of Prior Learning may be made, to achieve exemptions based on formal studies and experience (RPL forms are available on request).
COURSE CONTENT
a/ Compulsory core modules
The following four modules are compulsory: Biochemistry (Plants), Instructional Skills, Business Studies, and Workplace Health and Safety.
b/ Stream Core Modules
800 hours of study in compulsory modules (normally 8 x 100 hour modules) including: Recreation Administration & Management I, Recreation Administration & Management II, Recreation Administration & Management III, Horticulture I, Arboriculture I, Turf Care, Irrigation, Park & Playground Design I.
c/ Stream Elective Subjects
600 hours of study in modules (normally 6 X 100 hour modules), selected from the following: Landscaping I, Landscaping II, Facility Management I, Facility Management II, Recreation Administration & Management IV, Plant Protection, Engineering I, Soil Management, Irrigation Management, Event Management, Horticulture II.
d/ Optional Electives
200 hours of study in modules (normally 2 X 100 hour modules), which can be chosen from any advanced diploma accredited modules, selected from stream electives not studied yet (electives must be approved by academic staff at the school).
* Students are to attain a Senior First Aid Certificate during the course of study.
WORKPLACE ORIENTED RESEARCH
Two Research projects must be undertaken to satisfy the 200 hour nominal duration. Well organised study guides have been developed for Research Project I & II to work through in order to satisfy this part of the course.
Each project will deal with a distinct aspect of workplace activity, and culminate in a written formal report of a length appropriate to the nature of the project.
Each project will deal with a distinct aspect of workplace activity, and culminate in a written formal report of a length appropriate to the nature of the project.
WORKSHOPS
Two 100 hour work oriented projects, each involving a series of PBL projects:
Workshop I
This module involves undertaking three problem based learning projects to solve set hypothetical problems, which are highly specified, and in the following areas:
1. Workplace Tools, Equipment and Materials: Identifying and describing the operation of tools and equipment used in the workplace; routine maintenance of tools and equipment; identifying and comparing materials used in the workplace; using different materials to perform workplace tasks.
2. Workplace Skills: Determining key practical skills in the workplace; identifying and comparing commonly-performed workplace tasks; determining acceptable standards for workplace tasks; implementing techniques for improving workplace efficiency.
3. Workplace Safety: Identifying health and safety risks in the workplace; complying with industry WH&S standards; developing safety guidelines for handling dangerous items.
Workshop II
This module involves undertaking three problem based learning projects to solve set hypothetical problems, which are highly specified, and in the following areas:
1. Identifying Technical Problems and Collecting Samples or Data: Investigating technical problems in the workplace; collecting and treating samples, data or other evidence.
2. Analytical Procedures: Using specialised technical equipment to analyse samples, data or other evidence; undertaking routine and advanced scientific or technical analyses.
3. Workplace Operations: Describing the operations and equipment of a laboratory or other technical environment.
INDUSTRY CONFERENCE/SEMINARS/MEETINGS
You must attend 100 hours (minimum) of industry seminars within the period of the course. These may include such things as industry conferences or seminars, or professional society meetings.
