s PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Final PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION Course summary Final award FdSc Outdoor Adventurous Activities Intermediate award FCert Outdoor Adventurous Activites Course status Validated Awarding body University of Brighton Faculty Science & Engineering School Plumpton College Location of study/ campus Plumpton Partner institution(s) Name of institution Host department Course status 1. SELECT 2. 3. Admissions Admissions agency UCAS Entry requirements Students will normally have a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points (including Key Skills). This will usually be in the form of at least one of the following qualifications: * A pass at one or more GCE ‘A’ levels, with a minimum of a ‘C’ grade achieved for English Language and Maths at GCSE level. * An appropriate Advanced GNVQ. * An appropriate BTEC National Diploma as awarded by Edexcel Include any progression opportunities into the course. However, students without the usual entry qualifications who are capable of successful achievement of the award will be eligible for entry. This will be assessed at interview using portfolio evidence and employer references. Start date (mmm-yy) Sep 2014 Normally September Mode of study Mode of study Duration of study (standard) Maximum registration period Full-time 2 years 5 years Part-time 4 years 6 years Sandwich Select Select Distance Select Select Page 1 of 12 Course codes/categories UCAS code N891 Contacts Course Leader (or Course Development Leader) David Rafferty, Plumpton College 01273 890454 ext 2362 david.rafferty@plumpton.ac.uk Admissions Tutor The Admissions Team, Plumpton College 01273 892082 admissions@plumpton.ac.uk Examination and Assessment External Examiner(s) Examination Board(s) (AEB/CEB) Name Place of work Date tenure expires Matthew Berry University of Chichester Sep 2015 Plumpton College Animal/Performance Area Examination Board Plumpton College Animal/Performance Course Examination Board Approval and review Approval date Review date Validation Sep 20071 Feb 20102 Programme Specification July 143 July 15 Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 1 (if applicable): 4 Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 2 (if applicable): Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 3 (if applicable): 1 Date of original validation. Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years). 3 Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved (normally September). 4 Date of most recent review by accrediting/ approving external body. 2 Page 2 of 12 PART 2: COURSE DETAILS AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES Aims The aims of the course are: - To meet the educational and vocational needs of students intending to work at supervisory level within the outdoor education sector. - To provide the knowledge and skills required for a range of careers in the outdoor education sector including expedition leadership, outdoor management, scientific research and youth work (teaching, outdoor instruction, facilitating youth with behavioural issues or special educational needs). - To provide the student with the academic skills for progression to Honours level studies, in addition to sector-related knowledge and skills. Learning outcomes The outcomes of the main award provide information about how the primary aims are demonstrated by students following the course. These are mapped to external reference points where appropriate 5. Knowledge and theory By the end of the course the student will be able to: 1. Understand and demonstrate safe practice during mountainous activities, including the evaluation of the Health and Safety management of Outdoor Education. (Level 4) 2. Evaluate current developments in products and equipment used in Outdoor Activities. (Level 4) 3. Demonstrate understanding of emotional and behavioural problems faced in Outdoor Education. (Level 5) 4. Show understanding of key ecological concepts relating to outdoor education. (Level 4) 5. Demonstrate understanding of the main theoretical constructs within outdoor education. (Level 4 & 5) 6. Demonstrate an ability to assist in the improvement of an individual, analyse current practice in training and performance, demonstrating increased proficiency within the activities and developing technical analysis using research methodology. (Level 4) 7. Apply knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body in relation to Outdoor Activities. (Level 4) 8. Develop student’s professional values through critical analysis of assumptions in outdoor education. (Level 5) Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of other aspects of outdoor adventurous activities depending on their choice of optional modules. Skills Includes intellectual skills (i.e. generic skills relating to academic study, problem solving, evaluation, research etc.) and professional/ practical skills. 5 9. Demonstrate the skills and ability to organise a range of Outdoor Adventurous Activities in the UK and abroad, including planning and managing expeditions and their inherent logistical problems. (Level 4 & 5) 10. Demonstrate academic skills to be able to plan and carry out appropriate research. (Level 4 & 5) 11. Demonstrate practical and theoretical leadership skills in water-based and/or land-based outdoor adventurous activities. (Level 5) 12. Demonstrate skills required in the development of career action plans Please refer to Course Development and Review Handbook or QAA website for details. Page 3 of 12 and more generally in the management of the individual’s own responsibilities. (Level 5) 13. Develop transferable personal skills, as well as studying in-depth areas of interest. (Level 5) QAA subject benchmark statement (where applicable)6 Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Agriculture, Forestry, Agricultural sciences, Food Sciences and Consumer Sciences PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODIES (where applicable) Where a course is accredited by a PSRB, full details of how the course meets external requirements, and what students are required to undertake, are included. LEARNING AND TEACHING Learning and teaching methods This section sets out the primary learning and teaching methods, including total learning hours and any specific requirements in terms of practical/ clinical-based learning. The indicative list of learning and teaching methods includes information on the proportion of the course delivered by each method and details where a particular method relates to a particular element of the course. Full-time students normally take 12 standard 10-credit modules per year, six in each semester, or modules to the equivalent number of credits. A standard module is designed to comprise 100 hours total learning time and is typically studied over a 15-week semester. A typical 10-credit module comprises a combination of tutor-led contact sessions (normally 1.5 - 3 hours per week) and independent study time, which includes the time spent on completing assessment tasks. Part-time students normally take 6 standard 10-credit modules per year, 3 each semester, or modules to the equivalent number of credits. Learning support is given through a series of group tutorials focusing on academic skills, for example, Writing Assignments; Using the Harvard Referencing System, Avoiding Plagiarism. These tutorials are timetabled as additional support sessions and are compulsory. Primary learning & teaching methods Primary learning methods include lectures, expeditions, practical sessions, group workshops and site visits. The proportions delivered by each method vary in different modules so that the proportions in the course as a whole depend on the course of optional modules selected by the individual student. All UoB Learning and Teaching Strategy aims and outcomes are met within the course structure. Learning activities will include : Lectures E-learning activities (through the use of the VLE, memory maps, GPS, video analysis, on-line library, e-journals, e-books, access to ‘Box of Broadcasts’). (UoB Learning and Teaching Strategy Aim 1d) Visits to established outdoor education centres Project-based learning Group critiques, where students present and discuss their work with their peers and tutors Demonstrations Seminars Structured, academic debate Presentations Guest speakers 6 Please refer to the QAA website for details. Page 4 of 12 Individual and group tutorials Practical activities Self guided study Poster presentations Leaflet Design Experiential assignment delivery The department currently organises four compulsory expeditions and two non-compulsory expeditions each year which will be offered to HE students (UoB Learning and Teaching Strategy Aims 1a and 5):1. Expedition to the Peak District rock climbing, mountain walking, caving, outdoor parkour, camping. 2. One to two week expedition to an overseas destination. 3. Expedition to North Wales/Lake District/Scotland; mountain walking, rock climbing. 4. Expedition to central Wales to visit the Centre for Alternative Technology and mountain biking. 5. Ski trip Work-based and Work-related learning This Foundation Degree’s vocational focus and relevance to the needs of employers are one of its most distinctive features. Work-related and Work-based learning underpins the course as follows: Work-related learning Simulation of work-related situations is carried out wherever possible and includes the following activities: Planning and management of an expedition Risk management Leadership of practical water-based and/or land-based outdoor activities Lesson planning and delivery Work-based Learning 1. Compulsory work placements* (Work Placement 1 & 2 modules) 2. Work-based learning (Interpreting the Environment, Leading Outdoor Activities – Land-based and Water-based modules) *It may be a requirement of work placement providers to carry out CRB checks on students. Work Placements Students are responsible for finding their own work placements though Plumpton College maintains a database of potential work providers, contact details for whom are made available. Students are provided with a Student Work Placement Handbook giving full details of their responsibilities. They are not permitted to start the placement until the work provider has submitted a Health and Safety Audit which has been approved by the Course Leader. Additional Qualifications Students may register as a member of the Mountain Leader Training Board (MLTB) prior to enrolment and maintain a log of their ‘mountain days’. Plumpton College will offer expeditions for some of the requisite mountain days but it will be up to individuals to organise additional days to meet the industry requirement. Additional Qualifications and/or training accredited by other organisations such as British Mountaineering Council (BMC), Mountain-bike Instructors Award Scheme (MIAS), British Canoe Union (BCU) and Royal Yachting Association (RYA) will be offered depending on the individual student’s ability and prior experience. Learning and Teaching Method % of Student Effort Lectures Normally 30% Independent study Normally 70% Page 5 of 12 Education for Sustainable Development The University of Brighton is committed to the principles of sustainable development and global citizenship. Outdoor Adventurous Activities (OAA) is central to identifying and providing sound educational and social solutions to current and future problems through educating and incorporating these issues into all practical sessions and within several modules and assessments. Subject areas within OAA provide a rational and practical basis to enable the educational infrastructures that underpin sustainable development. Some examples are provided below. Ecology provides the learners with a fundamental understanding of food webs, nutrient cycles, biomes and other key elements vital to making those connections between knowledge and action on sustainable issues. Interpreting the Environment equips the learners with the skills and knowledge to educate others in environmental concerns by integrating it into the core themes of the course and developing it to their professional futures and careers. Mountain Skills Analysis specifically asks students to, ‘Understand and demonstrate knowledge of the environmental issues associated with mountain activities’ as one of the outcomes to the assessments. All expeditions and outdoor practical’s incorporate both education for sustainable development and global citizenship into the core values and philosophical underpinnings. The students are constantly trained to critically analyse global and local environmental issues, philosophically evaluate ecological pressures and are taught practical outdoor education solutions such as ‘the country code’ and technological solutions such as a visit to the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales. Research-Informed Teaching Course teaching staff are active participants in outdoor education research and areas of the course are informed by this research (for instance the course leader is undertaking doctoral research concerning the therapeutic nature of experiences in natural environments and other course teaching staff have undertaken ethnographic research regarding ethical issues arising in outdoor facilitation – these research interest are disseminated into appropriate modules). Teaching and learning for the course is informed by current pedagogic research from experiential and adventure education journals so as to increase opportunities for students learning within the sphere of outdoor education philosophies. Wider areas of outdoor education research interest are integrated into the course through screening of current editions of outdoor education journals and books. Staff support and actively encourage students to develop skills of inquiry through tutorials and the research nature of module assessments (for instance PJ210-2 asks students to “critically evaluate the role of research in the development of outdoor activities”). This is especially true of PL100 which is a research methods module and PL204 which is the compulsory Level 5 research project. ASSESSMENT Assessment methods This section sets out the summative assessment methods on the course and includes details on where to find further information on the criteria used in assessing coursework. It also provides an assessment matrix which reflects the variety of modes of assessment, and the volume of assessment in the course. The assessment strategy of the course follows the UoB assessment strategy aims as follows: i. clarity and student understanding of assessment criteria and assignments; ii. promoting learning (including the quality of feedback to students); iii. evaluating attainment of the intended learning outcomes; iv. appropriateness to the student profile, level and mode of study; v. consistency and rigour of marking; and vi. internal moderation and scrutiny by external examiners. The assessment scheme is seen as an integral part of the teaching and learning strategy for the course. Assessment strategies will vary between modules and are mapped against module outcomes. The Page 6 of 12 primary and summative assessment methods include written and scientific reports, written examinations, oral examinations, presentations, practical skills assessment, poster presentations, designing leaflets for general public, structured academic debate, log books, expedition and work placement portfolios, and interpretive activities. Formative assessments range from quiz’s, self-assessments, work sheets, observation, eliciting, Q & A and field work to peer assessments and presentations. 1. Knowledge and understanding of the principles of outdoor adventurous activities – written reports, case study reports, written examinations, log books, practical assessments, portfolios of evidence. 2. Work-related skills - practical skills assessment, log books, work placement portfolios, reports on expeditions. 3. Academic skills of research and critical analysis – written reports, scientific investigation. 4. Skills of problem-solving and decision-making in a work-related context – work placement portfolio, case study reports, interpretive activity, practical skills assessment. 5. Communication skills – presentations, oral examinations, interpretive activities. Learning Outcome Assessment method Module Number of credits Understand and demonstrate safe practice during mountainous activities, including the evaluation of the health and safety management of Outdoor Education. (Level 4) 1. Reflective Essay 2. Individual presentation 1.PJ116 20 Evaluate current developments in products and equipment used in Outdoor Activities. (Level 4) 1. Discursive Essay 1.PJ116 10 Demonstrate understanding of emotional and behavioural problems faced in Outdoor Education. (Level 5) 1. Essay 2. M.O.L. Lesson Plan 1.PJ209 2.PJ209 10 10 Show understanding of key ecological concepts relating to outdoor education. (Level 4) 1. Ecology 2. Research Project 1.PL118 2. PJ111 10 10 Demonstrate understanding of the main theoretical constructs within outdoor education. (Level 4 & 5) 1. Essay 2. Project 3. Work Placement 1.PJ107 2.PL206 3.PL102 10 10 10 1. Literature 1.PJ211 20 Review Coaching Research 2.PJ114 10 Demonstrate an ability to assisting the improvement of an individual, analyse current practice in training and performance, demonstrating increased proficiency within the activities and developing technical analysis using research methodology. (Level 4 and 5) 2. A&P Logbook Apply knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body in relation to Outdoor Activities. (Level 4) 1. A&P Logbook 2. A&P Poster 1.PJ114 2.PJ114 10 10 Develop student’s professional values through critical analysis of assumptions in outdoor education. (Level 5) 1. Essay 2. Group Presentation 1.PJ212 2.PJ212 10 10 Page 7 of 12 SUPPORT AND INFORMATION Institutional/ University All students benefit from: Plumpton College induction Plumpton College HE Student Handbook Plumpton College HE Study Skills Handbook Course Handbook Extensive library facilities at both Plumpton College and the University of Brighton Computer facilities at Plumpton College VLE E-mail address Welfare service Development tutor for advice and guidance Careers guidance Course-specific In addition, students on this course benefit from: Please refer to information held on the VLE. Plumpton College estate of 800 hectares with additional land leased from the National Trust. The estate has a range of terrain suitable for landbased outdoor activities including mountain biking, orienteering and basic expedition work. A fleet of mountain bikes General purpose and white water kayaks Expedition equipment Heart rate monitors Video analysis equipment Climbing equipment and indoor climbing wall Orienteering maps and equipment Raft building equipment Departmental Mini bus and trailer Use of a variety of inland and coastal facilities for water based activities. Southern Sandstone climbing facilities at a range of locations in the south east. Organised expeditions both UK and overseas. Additional support, specifically where courses have nontraditional patterns of delivery (e.g. distance learning and work-based learning) include: PART 3: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS COURSE STRUCTURE This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study and progression points. Course Leaders may choose to include a structure diagram here. In the first year students will be introduced to the outdoor sector practically and academically gaining hard skills for outdoor activities and gaining knowledge of the underlying principles, theory and philosophies related to outdoor adventure. This learning will be supported by the wide range of outdoor facilities available at the college, and in the surrounding area. Additionally, students will journey to Plumpton College’s Outdoor Centre located in Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. In the second year students will put the theory and experience gained in year 1 into practice by leading other learners and undertaking higher level academic study of outdoor adventure. The year will culminate in a student-led expedition to a challenging environment. Students must achieve a minimum of 240 credits overall, including at least 120 credits at Level 5. By the end of Year 1, students will have a minimum of 120 credits at Level 4. At this stage they may opt to accept the Foundation Certificate as an exit award. This award is offered at Pass level. Work-related learning is incorporated within the course through 240 hours of Work Placement Page 8 of 12 experience. Additionally, students are encouraged to seek practical experience in their spare time. Completing student may be eligible to enrol on Plumpton College’s one year BA (Hons) in Outdoor Adventure Facilitation. Alternatively, completing students can progress to Level 5 or Level 6 of an appropriate Honours Degree subject. Courses nationally have their own requirements for students, but established progression routes include the BA (Hons) in Adventure Facilitation (University of Chichester), BA (Hons) Outdoor Education and BA/BSc (Hons) Outdoor Professional Practice (University of Cumbria), and the BA (Hons) Outdoor Activities Management (University of Derby). By the end of the first year, students will have selected a progression route that will inform their module options course for Level 5. Those students aiming to progress to employment following the successful achievement of the Foundation Degree will select a diet of modules with a greater work-related skills content while those students aiming to progress to Level 6 of an Honours course will select a diet with a greater content of academic skills. The course structure is given below. Optional modules are offered subject to demand. Students can also opt to take modules from other courses to a maximum of one per semester with the agreement of their course leader and of the module leaders concerned. The course structure is given below. Optional modules are offered subject to demand. Students can also opt to take modules from other courses to a maximum of one per semester with the agreement of their course leader and of the module leaders concerned. Modules Status: M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award) C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award) O = Optional (optional modules) Level7 Module code Status Module title Credit Sem 4 PL100 C Research Methods 10 Year 4 PJ107 C Practical Outdoor Adventurous Activities 20 1 4 PJ116 C Concepts of Outdoor Education 20 Year 4 PJ111 C Expedition Skills 20 2 4 PJ115 C Experiential Learning and Water Based Activities 10 1 4 PZ101 C Interpreting the Environment 10 2 4 PJ125 C Outdoor Learning in the Marine Environment 10 2 4 PL102 O* Work Placement 1 10 Year 4 PL126 O* Entrepreneurship 1 10 Year 4 PJ114 O* Applied Anatomy and Physiology in Outdoor Sport 10 1 5 PL204 C Project 2 20 Year 5 PJ211 C Education and Practical Outdoor Activities – Water-based 20 1 5 PJ209 C Management of Learning 10 1 5 PJ210 C Education and Practical Outdoor Activities – Land-based 20 2 5 PJ221 C Outdoor Learning for Environmental Sustainability 10 1 5 PL203 C Statistics 10 1 7 All modules have learning outcomes commensurate with the FHEQ levels 0, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. List the level which corresponds with the learning outcomes of each module. Page 9 of 12 5 PL206 C Work Placement 2 10 Year 5 PL205 O* Career Development 10 Year 5 PZ205 O* Contemporary Study 10 1 or 2 5 PJ200 O* Biomechanical Analysis 10 1 5 PL224 O* Health Well Being and the Outdoors 10 1 5 PJ202 O* Sports Psychology 10 2 5 PJ207 O* Skill Acquisition and Sports Performance 10 2 5 PJ212 O* Philosophical Issues in Outdoor Education 10 2 5 PJ222 O* Applied Snow Sports 10 Year 5 PL222 O* Nature Photography 10 Year *You must have 120 credits per year (240 in total) 10 1 PJ107 PJ115 PJ114 Practical Outdoor Experiential Learning and Water Based Activities Applied Anatomy and Physiology in Outdoor Sport Adventurous activities PJ116 (20 credits) Concepts of Outdoor Education Yr 1 (20 credits) PJ111 PL102 PL126 PL100 Work Entrepren- Research Methods Placement (10 credits) Expedition Skills 2 Yr 2 PL204 PJ211 PL203 PJ221 Education and Practical Outdoor Activities – Waterbased Statistics Outdoor Learning for Environmental Sustainability (20 credits) & PL206 PJ209 Work Management of Learning Project 2 Placement 2 (20 credits) (10 credits) 2 Page 10 of 12 PZ101 Outdoor Interpreting the Learning in the Environment Marine Environment (20 credits) 1 PJ125 PJ210 Education and Practical Outdoor Activities – Landbased (20 credits) 1 eurship 1 (10 credits) (10 credits) PL205 PJ200 Career Biomechanical Development Analysis PJ224 PJ222 Health Well Applied Snow Being and the Sports Outdoors PJ207 PJ202 PL222 Skill Acquisition and Sports Performance Sports Nature Photography Psychology (10 credits each) PJ212 Philosophical Issues in Outdoor Education AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION Award type Award* Title Level Eligibility for award Classification of award Total credits8 Minimum credits9 Ratio of marks10: Class of award Select FdSc Outdoor Education 5 Total credit 240 Minimum credit at level of award 90 Level 5 marks Foundation degree Select FCert Outdoor Education 4 Total credit 120 Minimum credit at level of award 90 Level 4 marks Not applicable Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select Select Select Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select Select Select Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select Select Select *Foundation degrees only Progression routes from award: Award classifications The BA (Hons) Sports Coaching and Development and the BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching (direct entry to 3rd year) at the University of Brighton (Chelsea School – Eastbourne); The BA in Adventure Facilitation at Chichester University; the BA in Outdoor Studies at University College Plymouth; The BA (Hons) Outdoor Education and BA/BSc (Hons) Outdoor Professional Practice at the University of Cumbria (Penrith); The BA (Hons) Outdoor Leadership at the University of Central Lancashire; The BA (Hons) Outdoor Activities Management at the University of Derby (Buxton); The BA (Hons) Outdoor Studies at the University College Marjon (Plymouth); The BSc (Hons) Outdoor Education (direct entry to 3rd year) at Liverpool John Moore's University; The BSc (Hons) Outdoor Adventure Leadership and Management (direct entry to 3rd year) at the University of Worcester (Hereford College of Technology); The BA (Hons) Outdoor Adventure Management (direct entry to 3rd year) and BA (Hons) Extreme Sports Management (direct entry to 3rd year) at Southampton Solent University; The BSc (Hons) Sport Science (Outdoor Activities) at Bangor University (Second/Third Year Entry Negotiable); and the BA (Hons) Outdoor Education at the University of Wales:Trinity Saint David (Second Year Entry). Mark/ band % Foundation degree Honours degree Postgraduate11 degree (excludes PGCE and BM BS) 70% - 100% Distinction First (1) Distinction 60% - 69.99% Merit Upper second (2:1) Merit Lower second (2:2) Pass 50% - 59.99% 40% - 49.99% Pass Third (3) 8 Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award. Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award. 10 Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g, dissertation) must be in the corresponding class of award. 11 Refers to taught provision: PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters. 9 Page 11 of 12 EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section. The examination and assessment regulations for the course should be in accordance with the University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses (available from staffcentral or studentcentral). Specific regulations which materially affect assessment, progression and award on the course e.g. Where referrals or repeat of modules are not permitted in line with the University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses. Exceptions required by PSRB These require the approval of the Chair of the Academic Board Document template revised: 2010 Page 12 of 12