Agriculture and Horticulture by Open Polytechnic

AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE

WELCOME TO OPEN POLYTECHNIC Whether you are looking to improve your career prospects or learn something new, we can help you achieve your goal. We specialise in open learning – learning that gives you more freedom to decide what you study and where you study. Our courses are specifically designed for delivery by distance, which means you can fit your study around your life. And just because you are learning by distance, this doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. You will have access to your tutors and lecturers by email or phone and to other students studying the same course through the Online°Campus, the student support section of our website. It is our goal to make sure that you enjoy your study and°that°you succeed. So welcome to learning for today’s world, and congratulations on taking up the challenge of further education.

Please note that all information contained in this brochure may be subject to change without notice.

CONTENTS Your options in agriculture and horticulture

Introduction

Individual unit standards

Agriculture

National Certificate in Agribusiness Management (Agribusiness Resource Management) 3 Horticulture

National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3)

National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4)

General information

Assessment

Admission requirements

Study time

Fees

Loans, allowances and other funding

Enrolment

Learning support

New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Record of Achievement

Further study

inside back cover inside back cover

YOUR OPTIONS IN AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE LEVEL OF STUDY

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

National Certificate in Agribusiness Management (Agribusiness Resource Management)

Page 3

An entry-level qualification in horticulture

National Certificate in Horticulture

Page 4

A higher-level qualification in horticulture

National Certificate in Horticulture

Page 6

WHAT ARE MY NEEDS? A higher-level qualification in agriculture

SUGGESTED QUALIFICATION

Introduction We offer one qualification in agriculture and two in horticulture. Please check the requirements of each qualification carefully before you apply to enrol. The qualifications are made up of unit standards that are registered on the National Qualifications Framework, but not all the courses staircase to give you credit for a higher-level qualification. You need to bear this in mind when you are deciding what to enrol in. If you need help deciding what to study, contact the relevant programme leader for advice. See the last page of this brochure for contact details.

AGRICULTURE NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT (AGRIBUSINESS RESOURCE MANAGEMENT) Qualification code: NC1187 Level: 5

Credits: 63

This certificate is for people who are working, or want to work, managing resources in an agribusiness. QUALIFICATION Once you have successfully completed all of the courses listed below, you can apply to receive the National Certificate in Agribusiness Management (Agribusiness Resource Management) Level 5. FUTURE SKILLS Once you have successfully completed this qualification, you will have the skills and knowledge to: · manage risk · describe land ownership, tenure, succession planning, and forms of agribusiness ownership · describe the effects of market forces on an agribusiness · describe physical resources · develop production management action plans · manage human resources. QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE The unit standards are divided into groups. We suggest you enrol in one group at a time in the order shown below. UNIT STANDARD

TITLE

LEVEL

CREDITS

GROUP 1 16661

Identify, assess, and plan the management of risk for an agribusiness

21387

Demonstrate knowledge of the physical resources in an agribusiness

21389

Develop production management action plans for an agribusiness, and analyse results

21385

Demonstrate knowledge of ownership, tenure, and succession planning for an agribusiness

21386

Demonstrate knowledge of the effects of market forces on an agri-industry

21395

Describe employment requirements, and employment termination procedures for an agribusiness

21396

Plan for the recruitment, selection, and induction of staff in an agribusiness

21397

Plan work allocation and working relationships, assess performance and training in an agribusiness

23543

Describe compliance requirements, and develop a health and safety plan, for a rural workplace

GROUP 2

GROUP 3

HORTICULTURE NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN HORTICULTURE (LEVEL 3) Qualification code: NC1471 Level: 3

Credits: 105

This certificate is designed for people who are starting out in horticulture. It will build your basic skills and knowledge so you can work with confidence and grow your horticulture career. QUALIFICATION To achieve this qualification you need to: · complete 35 credits if you have achieved the National Certificate in Horticulture Level 2, OR · complete 105 credits from the structure listed on page 5 if this is your first time enrolling in horticulture. Note: The horticulture certificates in this brochure have special requirements that must be met. Please visit nzqa.govt.nz or contact us for more information. FUTURE SKILLS When you have gained this qualification, you will be able to move into further education and training in horticulture, including the National Certificate in Horticulture Level 4. You will only need to complete 35 additional credits to be awarded the Level 4 certificate. LITERACY ASSESSMENT The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has created a literacy assessment tool to measure and improve the literacy and numeracy skills of adult learners in New Zealand. If you are studying a Level 1–3 course with Open Polytechnic for the first time, TEC require you to complete this assessment at the start and end of your course. You will receive an email from TEC with more information after your enrolment is confirmed. Please contact us before you enrol if you do not wish to complete the literacy assessment. For more information visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/literacytool COURSE AVAILABILITY Please visit the Horticulture Level 3 qualification page on our website to view course availability.

QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE We recommend you begin your studies with Hort 4 Introduction to plant propagation and Hort 2 Soil properties and plant growth which are listed below. COURSE

LEVEL

CREDITS

Introduction to plant propagation

Demonstrate knowledge of nursery growing media and soils

Soil properties and plant growth

US1672

Demonstrate knowledge of pruning and training amenity trees and shrubs

US22177

Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and function of plants

US27213

Identify and interpret agrichemical product infomation, and demonstrate knowledge of safety with agrichemicals

US27210

Identify and describe weeds, and methods of prevention and control

US27208

Identify and descibe plant pests, diseases and disorders, and methods of prevention and control

US21031

Identify annuals, herbaceous perennials, biennials, and bulbs used in amenity horticulture

US19138

Monitor and interpret weather infomation

Hort3 (US24648 and US1676)

Identify trees, shrubs, and climbers, and select plants for landscaping and amenity horticulture

US10325

Demonstrate knowledge of factors influencing the development of organic horticulture in New Zealand

US21032

Prune and train amenity trees and shrubs up to 4 metres

Hort4 (US27707 and US27708) US20570 Hort2 (US22174 and US22175)

TITLE

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN HORTICULTURE (LEVEL 4) Qualification code: NC1014 Level: 4

Credits: 140

This certificate is a general horticulture qualification for people who are working, or want to work, in park maintenance, nurseries or garden centres, and who want to gain more skills. QUALIFICATION To achieve this qualification you need to: 路 complete 70 credits if you have achieved the National Certificate in Horticulture Level 2, OR 路 complete 35 credits if you have achieved the National Certificate in Horticulture Level 3. If you are enrolling in horticulture for the first time, we recommend you begin your studies with the National Certificate in Horticulture Level 3 and contact us first to discuss your study plan. Note: The horticulture certificates in this brochure have special requirements that must be met. Please visit nzqa.govt.nz or contact us for more information. FUTURE SKILLS Once you have successfully completed this qualification, you will have the skills and knowledge to: 路 undertake a range of tasks as a tradesperson 路 work across all sectors of the horticulture industry. COURSE AVAILABILITY Please visit the Horticulture Level 4 qualification page on our website to view course availability.

QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE The structure listed below is designed for people who have achieved the National Certificate in Horticulture Level 3 and need 35 more credits to gain the Level 4 certificate. If you have achieved the National Certificate in Horticulture Level 2, please contact us to discuss your study plan. COURSE

TITLE

LEVEL

CREDITS

US27211

Recognise plant pests, diseases and disorders and beneficial organisms

US20562

Prune and train nursery plants

US22194

Explain how plant structures, functions and processes adapt to different environments

US20557

Propagate plants from seeds

US20558

Propagate plants by cuttings

US21033

Revegetate indigenous plant areas

GENERAL INFORMATION Assessment Each course or unit standard is sent to you as a package of learning materials, including an assessment paper. You also have the option to submit your assessments online if you prefer. Depending on the course, the assessment may be a question and answer workbook or project, and you might need to send in plant specimens or photographs. Your tutor will give you feedback on your answers and, if you have weaknesses in some areas, they will help you. You can resubmit your assessments once if necessary. When your enrolment is confirmed, please visit My Open Polytechnic to view your assessment due dates. To access My Open Polytechnic, visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz and click on the login button at the top right of the page.

SET TEXTS You will need to buy the following set text for US27211: Lucas, R. (2005). Managing pests and diseases: AÂ°handbook for New Zealand gardeners. Nelson, New Zealand: Craig Potton Publishing.

Loans, allowances and other funding Student loans and allowances are administered by StudyLink. We recommend that you apply for a student loan at least four weeks before the commencement of your study. We cannot confirm your enrolment or send your course materials until your fees have been paid. For more information, or to find out if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re eligible for a student loan, visit studylink.govt.nz or give StudyLink a call on 0800 88 99 00.

Admission requirements Admission is open and anyone can enrol. For some courses you will need access to a garden, horticultural or agricultural area. Check the requirements of the courses you are interested in before enrolling. Note: For some course assessments you need to be able to send us soil, plant or pest specimens. This cannot be done from overseas. If you are living overseas, contact the relevant programme leader before you enrol to see whether alternative arrangements are possible. See the last page of this brochure for contact details.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE We have a fund to help students who are in financial need and have no other option for financial support. This fund is available for course fees and/or set textbooks. Conditions apply. Contact us for more information. See the last page of this brochure for contact details. SCHOLARSHIPS We also offer a range of scholarships to support students. Visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/scholarships for more information.

Enrolment ENGLISH LANGUAGE English is the language of study at Open Polytechnic. You will need to be able to read and write well in English so that you can understand course materials and also submit written assessments. There are criteria that must be met if English is not your first language. For more information about English language requirements, please call freephone 0508 650 200 or visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/englishlanguage

Study time All courses have a credit value. This helps you work out how much study time you will need. Allow about 10 hours of study per credit.

Fees Fees are displayed on each course and qualification page on our website. Visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz and browse our subjects and courses to find the fee information you need.

These qualifications are open for admission throughout the year and each course starts on the first Monday of the month you choose for enrolment. You need to enrol online from our website. Visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/howtoenrol for more information. When your enrolment is confirmed, we will send you a letter with your course start and end dates and where you can find assessment submission deadlines. RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) RPL is the process used to recognise your existing experience and skills in formal qualifications. RPL takes account of work and life experience, or previous education and training courses which may be relevant to your course. You may qualify to gain credits towards papers in a formal qualification with us. If your application is accepted you will need to provide verified evidence that you have met the learning outcomes of the course you are seeking credit for. For more information visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/rpl

Learning support YOUR TUTOR You will have a tutor for each course you study. Your tutor is there to help you through the course work, make sure you have understood the study material and check your progress. You can contact them on our freephone or by email, fax or letter. Their contact details will be in the information we send you when you enrol. STUDENT INFORMATION You can find current enrolment and study information on our website including details of our systems and processes and the services we offer. For more information visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/studywithus TE WĀHANGA WHAKAPAKARI AKO (THE LEARNING CENTRE) Te Wāhanga Whakapakari Ako (the Learning Centre) can help you with a wide range of learning support services and resources. These include: ⋅ tips and techniques to help you succeed in online and distance learning

MY OPEN POLYTECHNIC My Open Polytechnic is our online portal for our students. With My Open Polytechnic you can: · update your details · view your study information · track the status of your materials · access your assessment submission deadlines, marks and final grades for each course · check your account balance · access Online Campus and the library. Once you’re enrolled, you can also keep track of your study information on the go with the My Open Polytechnic smartphone app called My OP. To download the app, search for ‘My OP’ on the App Store (Apple iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android smartphone). These come pre-installed on your smartphone. LIBRARY We provide a library service for students. There is no additional fee for using it. The library service provides: · online resources

⋅ one-to-one consultations with a learning advisor (telephone or email)

· guides on how to search for information

⋅ StudyWise and ExamWise which are free online study and exam preparation workshops

· information about study techniques.

⋅ disability services ⋅ a student mentoring programme. For more information visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/learningsupport TE KURA WĀNANGA (THE MĀORI OFFICE) Te Kura Wānanga (the Māori Office) can help you with your learning and cultural needs in a kaupapa Māori context. We use Māori values and principles to enhance your learning journey. For more information visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/maorisupport ONLINE CAMPUS Online Campus is the area of our website where you can:

· a distance lending service with free and fast delivery

For more information about the library visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/oplibrary

New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) – Record of Achievement If you are registered on the NZQA database, please provide your Record of Achievement number or your National Student Number when you apply to enrol online. If you are not registered, we will arrange this when you have finished your first unit standard. Any unit standards you gain through the year will be added to your Record of Achievement. You can access your Record of Achievement online or you can phone NZQA and ask for a copy. To find out more, visit their website or call them on (04) 463 3000.

· access and submit assessments · link to web pages specific to your course, including frequently asked questions (FAQ), assessment hints, web resources, staff information and sometimes online quizzes and tutorials · communicate with other students in your course and with your lecturer or tutor

Further study You may be interested in our environment and sustainability qualifications. For information on these and other courses available at Open Polytechnic, visit our website or contact us. See the last page of this brochure for contact details.

· access the library.

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To find out more about the agricultural and horticulture programmes contact: Primary ITO Website: primaryito.ac.nz Freephone: 0800 691 111 OTHER USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS StudyLink Website: studylink.govt.nz Freephone: 0800 889 900 Work and Income Website: workandincome.govt.nz Freephone: 0800 559 009 NZQA Website: nzqa.govt.nz Phone: 04 463 3000 Email: helpdesk@nzqa.govt.nz PO Box 160 Wellington 6140 New Zealand

Standards New Zealand Website: standards.co.nz Freephone: 0800 782 632 Phone: 04 498 5990 Email: enquiries@standards.co.nz Radio New Zealand House Level 10, 155 The Terrace Wellington 6011

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Open Polytechnic Freephone 0508 650 200 Overseas phone +64 4 913 5300 openpolytechnic.ac.nz Private Bag 31914 路 Lower Hutt 5040 路 New Zealand