What is this course about? TVET Outdoor Recreation Block Delivery programs
have become very popular with schools throughout NSW over the last four years.
This 10 consecutive day field based program involves the delivery of units of
competence from the National Outdoor Recreation Training Package (SRO03). Students
are enrolled in units of competence from the Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation
and upon successful completion of this pathway are awarded 2 units in either the
preliminary HSC (Year 11) or HSC (Year 12) by the NSW Board of Studies.
The
Lithgow College program is open to students in Year 11 or Year 12. Students in
Year 10 who are attending a school that is designated 'remote' may be eligible
to undertake the program. A TVET group usually consists of 15-22 students, from
one to five schools at any given time, accompanied by 2-3 TAFE teachers, depending
on group size and activities.
The
program operates under a block delivery format, with students undertaking the
program over a continuous 10-day period totally away from school and home environments.
Generally students participate in three outdoor adventure activities throughout
the course of the program. These activities include a combination of abseiling;
rock climbing; canoeing; surfing; canyoning; cross-country skiing; downhill skiing,
depending on the time of year. Students develop knowledge and skills to select
and use equipment and demonstrate safe participation in the selected outdoor activities
under supervision.
Students
are also responsible for all aspects of daily group organisation, including camp
craft and bushcraft, campsite selection and maintenance, implementing minimal
impact practices; personal hygiene, planning food, water and clothing requirements,
and group management.
Throughout
the program students have the opportunity to acquire skills to participate in
several outdoor recreation activities under supervision and to assist in conducting
these activities in an outdoor setting designed to facilitate learning based on
experiential learning principles and consequence for action. Students are provided
opportunities to develop core skills required to work effectively in the outdoor
recreation industry, including personal organisation and responsibility, effective
personal and group communication, living and working co-operatively in a small
community; practical problem solving, conflict resolution, effective time management,
and practical leadership skills.
To
assist students gain appreciation and understanding of a variety of environments,
the program operates in a variety of locations, including the spectacular cliff
environments of the Blue Mountains and Mt. York; the unique canyons of Newnes
Plateau; the coast surrounding Gerringong; the tranquil river environment of Kangaroo
Valley and the winter environment of the Snowy Mountains.
Lithgow
TAFE offers a variety of activity/unit combinations depending on the time of year
and school preferences, an example of an enrolment pattern outlined below:
It
should be recognised that all TAFE NSW Western Institute will provide your school
with a detailed risk management plan and all Outdoor Recreation Teachers are appropriately
qualified and experienced. Staff will endeavour to provide a safe learning environment
and teach skills in progression. At times the program will be conducted in semi-remote
areas; all staff are trained and qualified in Wilderness First Aid, and carry
satellite telephones for emergency situations. Male and female TAFE staff will
be in attendance at all overnight camps.
Students receive a transcript of academic achievement listing the competencies
achieved from the Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation. The program offers the
opportunity for students to complete 2 non framework units towards their preliminary
HSC, or acknowledgement on their School Certificate (Year 10 students only). Students
who successfully complete a second year of the block delivery program have the
opportunity of completing the entire Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation on completion
of gap delivery units. This may then allow students to apply for advanced standing
at a later stage in selected units within the Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation.
Due
to the increase in demand for programs, some dates are proving to be very popular.
We would like to accommodate your schools, discussing and booking dates is a priority
if you wish to offer this opportunity to your students.
Please
contact Emily Reader via the details below for more information or to discuss
possible dates for 2009 and 2010 programs.
'Our
commitment it to provide high quality graduates in outdoor education....
leadership and technical skills training ...... to meet the needs of employers
in the outdoor profession.'
