Outdoor & Adventure Profession

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Curriculum

Level 1 allows you to operate as a practitioner in the broader industry, Level 2 will expand your knowledge in more advanced operations. With this qualification, you will be able to further specialise in more fields and start to engage in industry leadership matters.   

1. Facilitate learning (NQF)

This course standard will provide recognition for those who facilitate or intend to facilitate learning using a variety of given methodologies (AEL combinations in this case). Formal recognition will enhance their employability and also provide a means to identify competent learning facilitators.

 

117871 – Facilitate learning using a variety of given methodologies 

 

People credited with this unit standard are able to: 

• Plan and prepare for facilitation;
• Facilitate learning; and
• Evaluate learning and facilitation

Mode: Online and practical

Time: Two weeks. 4 Weeks to gather practical hours

Process: Theory will be taught while students are integrating theory to practice in an experiential manner

Assessment: Theoretical and Practical Assessment 

Presenters: Think Twice & Adventure Institute

 

Accreditation received: SAQA Accredited – NQF Level 5 – 10 Credits

2. Entrepreneurship/Business Practice

This course will teach participants to apply entrepreneurial thought, identify entrepreneurial characteristics, identify entrepreneurial opportunities, utilise the appropriate strategies to create an entrepreneurial venture.

10006 – Demonstrate an understanding of entrepreneurship and develop entrepreneurial qualities

• Apply entrepreneurial thought
• Identify and describe the characteristics of a successful entrepreneur
• Identify, assess and improve individual entrepreneurial characteristics
• Discuss business ethics and social responsibility

Mode: Online and practical

Time: Two weeks. 4 weeks to gather practical hours

Process: Theory is taught based on the SAQA methodology. After completion of theoretical sessions, students are expected to complete a portfolio of evidence

Assessment: Theoretical and Practical Assessment 

Presenters: Human Capital Investment & Adventure Institute

 

Accreditation received: SAQA Accredited – Subfield: Generic Management 2 Credits

3. Environmental Education

To prepare candidates to function as entry-level environmental education practitioners. It will apply in particular to part-time practitioners working in environmental education centres and to people who may be employed primarily in fields other than education, but who may develop an environmental education role in their workplace, e.g. field rangers, outreach officers, interpretive officers, etc. Modules; 

 

13637: Network broadly in order to source information and support around a key environmental issue or risk (4 credits).

• Identify key environmental issues and select one issue to research
• Identify a broad network providing support around an environmental issue
• Network broadly in order to source information and support
• Compile networking details and information

 

13651: Review a variety of approaches to learning, teaching and evaluation (4 credits).

• Observe and review a range of approaches to teaching and learning
• Review different approaches to evaluation

 

13632: Demonstrate knowledge of environmental education goals, principles and their appropriateness in different contexts (4 credits).

• Demonstrate knowledge of a variety of educational methods and approaches
• Select methods that are appropriate in particular contexts
• Justify choices of methods in terms of goals and principles of environmental education

Mode: Online and Contact

Time: Two weeks. 4 weeks to gather practical hours.

Process: Theory is taught based on the SAQA methodology. After completion of theoretical sessions, students are expected to complete a portfolio of evidence

Assessment: Theoretical and Practical Assessment 

Presenters: WESSA & Adventure Institute

 

Accreditation received: SAQA Accredited – 12 Credits

4. Outdoor and Adventure Therapeutic Opportunities

This course will empower students with a holistic view of outdoor and adventure therapeutic applications. It reflectively explores individual therapeutic relationships with the outdoors for application in amongst others tourism and adventure education programmes etc. 

Outcomes:

• The power of the outdoors as a therapeutic medium
• Neuro pathways and human behaviour
• Application of risk as a methodology to facilitate trauma
• Practical processes, how to structure programmes to address trauma

Mode: Online and Practical

Time: Two weeks. 4 weeks to gather practical hours.

Process: Academics from the University of Cumbria (UK) will present this course in collaboration with the Adventure Institute. Theoretical sessions will be followed by practical sessions whereafter both Cumbria and the Adventure Institute will facilitate discussions of how the theory was integrated into practice

Assessment: Theoretical and Practical Assessment 

Presenters: University of Cumbria & Adventure Institute 

Accreditation received: Endorsed by University of Cumbria (UK)

5. Facilitation of Adventure Related Experiential Learning (Stage 2)

The course is an advanced level to Stage 1. Topics include;

• Philosophy of adventure
• Psychological approaches to AEL
• Advanced Facilitation techniques

Mode: Online and practical

Time: Two weeks

Process: Theory will be taught while students are integrating theory to practice in an experiential manner. Students will utilise lessons learned in theory and practice during AEL Level 1 to make this a rich and engaging module

Assessment: Theoretical and Practical Assessment 

Presenters: Team Building Institute & Adventure Institute

 

Accreditation received: Team Building Institute Qualification.
Industry identified, compiled and presented (supported by local and international research).

6. Life Saving – Water

This course is compulsory, but if students are not operating on a site with water activities (swimming pool, dam, river) they may swap the module with another.

Mode: Practical at 25m pool

Time: One week

Process: Theory is supported by practical exercises and demonstrations. The process is aligned with international practice. Students will be expected to show intellectual and physical competence

Assessment: Theoretical and Practical (physical) Assessment 

Presenters: Lifesaving South Africa

 

Accreditation received: Accredited with Lifesaving SA & recognised internationally

7. Practical application, integration, assessment

During this course, students will integrate and cross-reference all courses whilst transferring the knowledge to practical real-life situations. Students will simulate real-life situations and apply the learning of one discipline to another. Students will be able to first-hand experience the combination of skills which up to now have only been dealt with as loose standing knowledge areas.  

Mode: Practical

Time: One week

Process: This process will be hands-on and practical, students will listen to industry leaders, apply knowledge in presentations, construct business strategies, “escape” real-life challenges, and innovate new approaches. Students will be assessed on an ongoing basis during this real-life incubator of good practice

Assessment: Theoretical and Practical Assessment. Simulations, presentation, assignments, Interviews (integration of various technologies)

Presenters: Adventure Institute

Other optional modules

• Abseil Supervisor 
• Climbing Wall Supervisor Award
• Single Pitch Rock Climbing Guide
• Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing Guide
• Canyoneering (Kloofing)
• Mountaineering Guide
• 4 x 4 & Overlanding Guide
• River Guide
• Sea kayak & Paddling Guide
• Archery (NASP)
• Paintball 
• Mountain Bike
• Christian Camping 
• Sport Admin
• Creativity
• Equine Therapy
• Free play / Forest Schools
• Music and Drama
• Early childhood development
• Recreational practice
• High Ropes
• Raft Building

What can I expect after completing the course?

Recognition by the Outdoor and Adventure Industry as equipped with diverse relevant skills. Your skills will allow you to work in other related industries also. After completing the qualification you will have access to resources and support due to your affiliations, you will have access to practice and business coaching and support, you will have automatic access (some free, some at a small cost) to workshops and initiatives run by the Adventure Institute and affiliates.