Course

BTEC Level 2

The Level 2 programme focuses on work related skills, with participants completing projects and assignments that develop their practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

Students will also further develop transferable life skills, including literacy and numeracy. Upon successful completion of their course students may look for employment within the Outdoor Activity sector at operative level. This includes outdoor activity providers, outdoor education centres and sport and leisure centres.

Those students wishing to progress onto a level 3 programme will have the skills and knowledge to do so (students wishing to progress to level 3 must gain a Merit or above at level 2). This full time programme makes full use of the College estate, outdoor activity sites in the local area and the College’s centre in Snowdonia. Specialist facilities and equipment is provided for the activities that form the basis of the course.

Students will be expected to provide some items of personal equipment such as wetsuit boots for example, further information regarding this will be provided at initial student interviews.

The programme will combine relevant theory and practical activity and where appropriate will be as practically based as possible. The outdoor adventure/education sector is very demanding and requires those working within the sector to have a high degree of motivation, excellent communication skills in formal and informal settings and a desire to continue to improve and keep learning.

Although it is not necessary to have a high degree of fitness, students will be required to undertake a range of physical activity in order to meet course requirements. All students will be required to continue to develop their levels of English and maths and will sit exams in these subjects towards the end of their course. There are also 2 online externally assessed exams for the level 2 qualification.

Work Experience

Study programmes include a minimum of compulsory work experience hours achieved through one day a week or block placements. The amount of hours required is dependent on the study programme.

Careers Hub

We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.

Industry Work Placement

All students aged 16-18 on our Level 2 & Level 3 programmes will now have to take part in an exciting and compulsory 50-day industry placement programme alongside completion of their vocational course. The programme will give you the chance to gain valuable skills in a real working environment whilst being paired with your ideal employer.

Our mission is to pair students with their ideal employer and to support them continuously during the placement.

There is flexibility on how students complete the placement; it can be during non-college weekdays, weekends, in blocks or over the holiday period. You will receive all of the necessary information during your interview, and if you have any queries in the meantime please contact workexperience@plumpton.ac.uk

Additional Qualifications

There will be opportunities throughout the year to study additional qualifications that relate to the Outdoor Education Sector.
College award, Functional Skills or GCSEs in English and maths

Indicative Programme Content

The Level 2 Diploma Programme is made up of 12 units - 3 core units, 3 mandatory units and 6 specialised units. Students must complete all 12 modules to achieve an overall grade for the course.

Students setting up a tent, feeding the tent pole through the canvas

Entry Requirements:	Candidates should hold either: You'll need to have achieved 2 or more GCSEs grades 9-3 (A*-D in previous grading structure) Successful completion of a related Level 1 course in another area, having studied GCSE English and Maths Mature students without the above requirements will be considered
Dates & Location:	September 2021
Duration:	Duration: One year Full-time 3 days per week
Costs:	If you will be over 19 on the start date of your course you maybe required to pay tuition fees. Please contact enquiries@plumpton.ac.uk to confirm.

Facilities

Snowdonia Centre

Plumpton College with the National Trust in Snowdonia, North Wales have developed an Outdoor Centre with capacity for 30. Snowdonia is the historic home of Outdoor Education and is the site of the National Mountain Centre.

The challenging mountains and rivers provide an outstanding environment where students can develop and enhance their skills in a range of activities. The Centre is located in Nant Gwynant and is walking distance from Llyn Gwynant and the Upper Afon Glaslyn.

It is also possible to walk to the summit of Snowdon directly from the centre. All students spend time at the centre which provides outstanding learning opportunities for Outdoor Education students.

Future Opportunities

By completing this course, students will be able to go on to complete a Level 3 programme where they can specialise in either sport or adventure education. Students may also choose to go on to employment at an operative level at outdoor activity providers, outdoor education centres and sports and leisure centres.