Extended Certificate in Skills and Activities for Sport and Active Leisure (Outdoor Education) Level 2

Who is the course for?

Level 2 Extended Certificate in Outdoor Education is for people with little or no previous experience in the outdoor industry, but who have an interest in adventurous activities and of pursuing a career in the outdoors.

Do I need any formal qualifications?

No formal qualifications are necessary, some previous experience in one or more of the covered activities is expected and a BCU 1 star award would be desirable.

What will I study on the course?

The Course consists of 3 units; Leading Outdoor and Adventurous Activities Expedition Experience Outdoor and Adventurous Activities

How is the course organised

The course is run over 3 days per week. At least one full day a week is dedicated to outdoor adventurous activities including rock climbing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Hillwalking, mountaineering, high-ropes, zip-wire and many other teambuilding activities. In addition to the timetabled activities, there are residential trips through the year which include visits to the Scottish Highlands, Snowdonia and the Lake District. Students also have opportunities to get inviolved in expeditions abroad.

How will my progress be assessed?

Assessment is throughout the year with observation of practical skills (including facilitating sessions for client groups) and marking of worksheets, written assignments, projects and tests. Assessed evidence is organised into a candidate portfolio.

Can I gain any extra qualifications while on the course?

You may also have the opportunity to complement your studies with other qualifications that will help you gain employment, including proficiency & Leadership awards for kayaking and canoeing (BCU Star Awards). The BCU Foundation Safety & Rescue Training course is also offered as part of the programme. In addition, there is the opportunity to progress onto other National Governing Body awards if you have the pre-requisite skills and experience, e.g. MLT CWA or SPA training & assessment courses in rock climbing, MLT Walking Group Leader Award and/or BCU UKCC Canoe/kayak Level 1 Coach training & assessment qualifications and we can help you prepare and access these courses. SLUK Basic Expedition Assistant Leader award (Level 2) and ITC Outdoor First Aid Certificate are also covered as part of the level 2 programme. Most students also complete the NCFE Certificate in Outdoor Activity Leadership, as part of this programme.

What final qualification will I get if I am successful?

EDEXCEL Extended Certificate in Skills and Activities for Sport and Active Leisure (Outdoor Education) (QCF) Level 2

Next Steps

The Level 2 Extended Certificate provides an excellent foundation for those wishing to work in the outdoor industry. Career prospects and opportunities will be researched through the course and a personal action plan will be devised relating to these. In addition to gaining employment in the outdoor industry, progress could be made to the Outdoor Education Year 2 courses and the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Skills & Activities for Sport & Active Leisure (Outdoor Education) (QCF). Most students in fact, consider the outdoor courses as a two year programme, which prepares them in full for employment in the outdoor industry.

Can I receive any financial support whilst I am studying?

Many of our learners study for free with a "Fee Waiver" when they are in receipt of qualifying benefits or studying a first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification and meet age restrictions or are aged between 16-18. If you are not entitled to a "Fee Waiver" you may be entitled to receive Learner Support Funds to help with paying your course fees, or if you are aged over 23 and planning to study at Level 3 or 4 you will be able to apply for a 24+ Loan that cover all of your course costs. Higher Education learners are entitled to apply for HE Loans that cover the cost of tuition. In addition, depending on your chosen course of study and individual circumstances, you may be entitled to a maintenance loan.

Please note, from September 2016, anyone over 19 years of age can apply for a loan to cover all course fees for qualifying courses.

All learners can also apply for help with the cost of travel to college and the college may be able to help with the costs of childcare, travel, books, equipment and meals.

Please note for full cost courses funding may not be available.

For more information our Help Hub team is available on 01670 841 200 or email advice.centre@northland.ac.uk

How can I apply for this course?

Apply online by clicking here, alternatively please contact our Help Hub on 01670 330 660, email advice.centre@northland.ac.uk or drop in to one of our open events – dates are listed here http://www.northumberland.ac.uk/events/

Alternatively, if this is the course for you please click Book and Enrol Now – please note this option is only available to certain courses.

Where can I get any further information about the course?

You may find further information within this website including within case studies and our media gallery. You may also come along to an open event – dates of college events are listed here http://www.northumberland.ac.uk/events/

Download/Print Course Details Northumberland College has two main campuses at Ashington and Kirkley Hall and centres at Hexham and Berwick. We offer hundreds of full-time and part-time courses, work with students aged 14-18, mature students, higher education students and employers from numerous industry sectors.Our Ashington campus was opened in 1957 and is home to a wide range of subjects - all housed in specialist facilities including those for art and design, construction, engineering, sport, hospitality and beauty therapy. Our Kirkley Hall campus, in Ponteland, has a long established history as the main provider of land-based education and training in the region, stretching back more than 50 years. So if you want to study animal care, agriculture or horticulture, this campus will provide the perfect environment for you. Life at Northumberland College is about more than just studying; it's about meeting new people, enjoying new experiences, developing new skills and spending time with friends.