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Subjects & Qualifications

 

Rural Skills Intermediate 1 (SCQF level 4)

Contact the Qualifications Manager for this subject area 
Anne Boyd  GRAPHIC: email icon.


Structure of the Course

This Course is at Intermediate 1 and has three mandatory Units (two of 40 hours and one of 20 hours) and two optional Units (one of 40 hours and one of 20 hours).

Mandatory Units:

Mandatory Units Unit credit Hours

Land-based Industries: an introduction

1 Unit credit

40 hours

Estate Maintenance

1 Unit credit

40 hours

Employability Skills in the Land-based sector

0.5 Unit credit

20 hours

Optional Units:

Optional Units Unit credit Hours

Animal Husbandry: an introduction

1 Unit credit

40 hours

Animal Handling: an Introduction

0.5 Unit credit

20 hours

or

Optional Units Unit credit Hours

Crop Production: an introduction

1 Unit credit

40 hours

Soft Landscaping: an introduction

0.5 Unit credit

20 hours

Candidates choose one of the above optional routes.

Summary of Course content

This Rural Skills Course allows candidates to begin to develop some of the basic practical skills necessary to work in most of the land-based disciplines - areas such as agricultural livestock, equine industries, horticulture, landscaping, agricultural crops and animal care. The Course also provides the opportunity to explore the very diverse employment prospects that exist in land-based industries. There is then a choice of a plant or an animal route where candidates can develop some of the basic skills for the chosen route.


Summary of content Unit by Unit:


Approaches to assessment

Assessment in this Course will be based mainly on a range of practical activities, in real or simulated commercial settings supported by tutor observation checklists, together with candidate self-assessment checks and question sheets to confirm the knowledge and understanding of the tasks that they have carried out.  However, the use of portfolio evidence and the use of case studies is used for the Land-based Industries: an Introduction Unit.

Each Unit will be supported by a NAB (National Assessment Bank item), which will provide an assessment package and will exemplify the national standard.

Learning and teaching materials

Learning and teaching packs have been produced for each Unit, in partnership with the Scottish Further Education Unit (SFEU). These can be accessed via the SFEU website.

The pack will consist of: 


Placements, visits, work experience

Due to health and safety as well as insurance issues, it is not anticipated that work placements will be possible for candidates taking this Course. However, partnership agreements with specialised FE Colleges, training providers or employers will enable candidates to carry out the wide range of practical activities required in the Course in a simulated commercial environment. It is anticipated that the centre will visit at least one operational land-based industry for the introductory Unit. There may be the opportunity for candidates to work shadow.


Resource requirements

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be essential for all candidates and may vary according to the route and context chosen. However, this is likely to include Wellington boots, overalls, waterproof trousers, waterproof jacket and gloves. In some circumstances face masks and ear defenders may be necessary. (This list of PPE is not intended to be exhaustive and centres should carry out risk assessments for all activities as required)

The Estate Maintenance Unit will require a selection of basic hand tools, fences, simple plumbing and drainage equipment, basic painting equipment, spades, shovels and basic horticultural equipment.

The Introductory Unit is likely to require Internet access, classroom facilities and any PPE deemed necessary for visits undertaken.

The animal Units will require access to a group of one or more type of animals kept in a commercial or simulated commercial setting from the following categories: horses, sheep, cattle, pigs, poultry, game birds, small 'cage' companion mammals, dogs, cats, farmed fish. There must be suitable handling and housing facilities for these animals.

The plant Units will require access to crops and the necessary equipment for their production and husbandry either in an agricultural, horticultural or forestry context.

Progression

This Course may provide candidates with opportunities to progress to:


Conditions and Arrangements


Information for Skills for Work pilot centres 
Rural Skills Intermediate 1

Centres delivering the Rural Skills Intermediate 1 Course as part of the Skills for Work pilot in 2006/7 should note the following:


Arrangements documents valid from 2007/8

Subject:
Rural Skills
Level:
Intermediate 1
Code:
C239 10
Edition:
Second Edition, April 2007
Downloads:
Rural Skills Intermediate 1 Arrangements (345 KB)