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Countryside and Environment
Edexcel (BTEC) First Diploma
Full-time
at Capel Manor, Enfield
This one year course is designed to give students Level 2 knowledge and the opportunity to acquire the practical skills in the chosen subject. Attendance is required on four days each week with private study organised for the fifth day.
The Course
The 6-unit BTEC First Diploma offers a specialist qualification that focuses on particular aspects of employment within the sector. As such the BTEC First Diploma offers a qualification which can extend the study and provide vocational emphasis for learners in their programme of study. Equally the BTEC First Diploma offers a focused qualification for learners, who wish to follow a programme of study that is directly related to their work experience or to an aspect of employment that they wish to move into in due course.
The BTEC First Diploma in Countryside and Environment provides the underpinning knowledge and understanding for those in employment who would like to obtain a level 2 qualification in Countryside and Environment. This qualification would be particularly useful to those planning to become employed as practical workers within the countryside industry.
A minimum of 200 hours industry experience is included as one unit.
Course Content
The units are:
- Industry and Organisations
- Industry Experience
- Conservation and Improvement of Habitats
- Principles of Land Based Machinery
- Ecology of Trees, Woods and Forests
- Practical Land Based Skills
Key Skills at Level 1 and Level 2 will be integrated into the course in areas of Numeracy, Communication and Information Technology.
Some units may be taught together with students following options in horticulture and animal care. These include:
- Information Technology – including word processing, databases and spreadsheets.
- Industries and Organisations – including health and safety, public and private sector employment, CV and letter writing, interview techniques, career guidance and sustainable development.
- Industry Experience – includes 6 weeks planned industrial placement within your specialism area.
- Estate Skills – includes working with hand tools, maintaining boundaries, wood craft and estate maintenance.
Entry Requirements
The course is designed for 16-19 year olds and at least one ‘C’ and 2 ‘D’s at GCSE are necessary with the higher grades in English. Students should have a good general education and a real interest in the chosen subject. Individual interviews can be arranged with a course tutor and to view college facilities.
Training and Assessment Methods
Training will have an emphasis on practical skills with underpinning knowledge. There will be visits to a variety of woodland and other countryside sites and much of the practical work will take place on the College's 75 hectare farm at Forty Hall.
The course is assessed through practical and written assignments, which are marked at Pass, Merit or Distinction grade. There is no end of year course examination but the Industry and Organisation unit will be externally assessed through an Integrated Vocational Assignment. You will build up a course portfolio as a permanent record of your coursework.
Qualifications Gained
Success on this course leads to the nationally recognised award of an Edexcel BTEC First Diploma in Countryside and Environment.
Progression
Students gaining the Edexcel BTEC First Diploma may progress to a National Diploma, National Certificate or National Award, thus enhancing their career prospects. Alternatively a day-release course may be preferred linked to related employment.
Students who wish to progress onto a higher course at Capel Manor College will need to achieve a minimum of a Merit on the BTEC First Diploma course.
Venue and Facilities
This course takes place at Capel Manor’s main site in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, an 18th century manor house set in 12 hectares of gardens. We have access to a wide range of urban and country parks, nature reserves and private sites, where practical work is carried out, and transport is provided by minibus.
At the College farm at Forty Hall, students are involved with ongoing project work, tree planting, hedging etc, thus enhancing the long term conservation value of the site.
Fees
Please refer to the College prospectus
Working in Countryside Management and Forestry
Over the past 10 years the opportunities for working in environmental conservation have increased considerably. Advances in health and safety legislation has meant that employers require skilled operatives who have underpinning knowledge of the industry. There is currently a demand for staff with practical skills and many of our students progress into employment - or further training. There are opportunities for supervisors and managers enabling good career progression.
Web ref: 200440_arb
Last updated:
18 November, 2007
For further information and how to apply please contact
the Student Registry at:
Capel Manor College
Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex EN1 4RQ
Tel: 08456 122 122
