Academy Certificate in Introductory Conservation (Te Kura Tapere)

Program Overview

The UCOL Academy Certificate in Introductory Conservation program provides secondary school students with a foundation in nature conservation through hands-on activities, theoretical knowledge, and practical skills development. The program emphasizes kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and prepares learners for careers in conservation, pest management, and environmental education. It is a collaborative effort between Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, UCOL, and secondary schools.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

• The UCOL Academy Certificate in Introductory Conservation (Te Kura Tapere) program is designed for learners interested in nature conservation.
• The program imparts knowledge about nature and provides foundational conservation skills.

Objectives:

• Develop a deeper understanding of nature and conservation principles.
• Acquire practical skills in kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of flora and fauna.
• Gain competency in operating safely in the natural environment (te ao tūroa).

Program Description:

• The program comprises 30 credits earned through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical fieldwork.
• Learners spend Fridays at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, participating in hands-on activities and learning from experienced professionals.
• Emphasis is placed on developing practical skills such as pest animal trapping, ecological monitoring, and outdoor activity leadership.

Outline:

Content:

• Ecological Understanding: Learners gain fundamental knowledge about native plant and animal species in New Zealand, their ecological roles, and the threats they face.
• Kaitiakitanga: The program emphasizes the principles of kaitiakitanga, encouraging learners to adopt a guardianship mindset towards the environment.
• Practical Skills: Learners acquire practical skills in pest management, wildlife monitoring, outdoor activity leadership, and safe operation in the natural environment.
• Each session typically lasts from 9am to 3pm.
• Learners participate in a mix of classroom learning, field trips, practical exercises, and guest lectures.

Course Schedule:

• Unit Standard 20427: Demonstrate a basic ecological understanding of plant species in a specified park area.
• Unit Standard 20668: Demonstrate a basic ecological understanding of animal species in a specified park area.
• Unit Standard 376: Employ customer service techniques to accommodate customer behavioural styles in a workplace.
• Unit Standard 31535: Assist in preparing and leading an outdoor activity.
• Unit Standard 29336: Demonstrate understanding of the purpose and impacts of rural pest animal operations.
• Unit Standard 29338: Demonstrate understanding of the purpose and impacts of rural pest animal operations.
• Unit Standard 6143: Carry out a local kaitiakitanga activity with direction.

Module Descriptions:

• Unit Standards 20427 and 20668: These units introduce learners to the ecological concepts and species found in the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre environment.
• Unit Standard 376: This unit equips learners with customer service skills to interact effectively with visitors and colleagues.
• Unit Standard 31535: This unit focuses on developing leadership and teamwork skills for guiding outdoor activities.
• Unit Standard 6143: This unit allows learners to put their theoretical knowledge into practice by participating in conservation activities within Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods include a combination of:
• Practical exercises and field assessments:
demonstrating skills in pest trapping, species identification, and outdoor activity leadership.
• Assignments and reports: analyzing data, reflecting on learning experiences, and developing conservation plans.
• Presentations and group work: showcasing understanding of key concepts and collaborating effectively with peers.
• Assessment criteria are based on the learning outcomes of each unit standard and aim to gauge the learner's knowledge, skills, and application of conservation principles.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Interactive lectures and workshops
• Hands-on activities and field trips
• Guest lectures from espertised conservation professionals
• Group discussions and collaborative projects
• Faculty:
• Experienced conservation professionals from Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre and UCOL.
• Guest lecturers from various conservation organizations.
• Unique Approaches:
• Emphasis on experiential learning through hands-on activities and real-world projects.
• Culturally responsive teaching methods incorporating mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) perspectives.
• Strong focus on fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and community involvement.

Careers:

• Successful completion of this program provides a strong foundation for a career in conservation.
• Learners can pursue further studies in:
• NZ Certificate in Conservation Operations Level 4
• Potential employment opportunities include:
• Pest Management
• Wildlife Park Assistant
• Conservation Work
• Environmental Education
• Transport assistance may be available.
• The program is part of UCOL's "Academy" programs, allowing secondary school students to gain practical experience while still in school.
• Learners are encouraged to bring a pen, paper, and lunch to each session.

Note:

Given the context, it is impossible to determine the student's current level of education.