Royal Horticultural Society Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture Applicant s Handbook - Academic Year 2011-12
Welcome to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), and thank you for requesting further information on the RHS level 2 (Royal Horticultural Society Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture). This course replaced the old Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture in 2010. We re delighted that you are considering joining the course here at RBGE. We offer this nationally accredited course in a format designed to fit in with your life. Our daytime course allows you to study in the mornings, the evening course is ideally suited to those who are working full time, and the distance learning option offers the most flexibility. All courses will provide you with everything you need to know to pass. This is a fantastic place to be a student a world renowned centre for horticultural and botanical training and research. We have some superb resources, the jewel in the crown being our living collections over 15,000 species of plants growing across our four Gardens; Edinburgh, Benmore, Dawyck and Logan. Perhaps even more important for our students though, is the expertise of our horticultural and botanical staff. The RHS Level 2 course offers students expert input and tuition from specialists in every branch of horticulture and botany. The opportunity to study in and behind the scenes of RBGE is an enjoyable and rewarding one for all of our students. This handbook introduces you to the RHS Level 2 course. I hope it answers all your questions, but please don t hesitate to contact me at the email address below if you have any further queries. I look forward to receiving your application! Greg Kenicer Lecturer Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Rhslevel2@rbge.org.uk Tel: 0131 248 2858 Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 2
Contents 1. Introduction to the course 4 2. Entry requirements 4 3. Course duration and course dates 4 4. Course structure and content 5 1. Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development 6 2. Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance 7 5. Examinations 8 6. Education at RBGE 9 7. Practical horticulture courses and workshops at RBGE 9 8. Financial support 9 9. Taught courses costs 10 10. Taught courses application procedure 10 Taught courses application form 11 11. Further information on distance learning 13 12. Distance learning dates and timing 14 13. Distance learning course costs and resources 14 14. Distance learning application procedure 15 Distance learning application form 17 Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 3
1. Introduction to the course The RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture replaced the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture in September 2010. The course delivers a broad-based understanding of horticultural techniques and plant biology. It provides students with a qualification that is recognised internationally by the horticulture industry. This broad base makes it the ideal starting point or first qualification for those wishing to pursue a career in any branch of horticulture or garden design. It is also perfect for leisure gardeners who would like to expand their horticultural knowledge, and to have it formally assessed. The award of the Certificate is based on written examinations that are externally set and marked by the RHS. The certificate is accredited by Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) in England and Wales. On completion of the course, students can opt to take their studies further by joining the RBGE s Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture with Plantsmanship. 2. Entry requirements The RHS Level 2 Certificate does not require any prior qualifications or experience. All you need is an interest in the subject and a willingness to set aside a few hours a week for study. Overall we are looking for keen, enthusiastic plants people of all ages, who would value the opportunity to study at RBGE and will contribute to the programme. Where there is competition for places we will accept those we feel would most benefit from attending the course. We also offer a distance learning course option for those who cannot attend the RBGE regularly. 3. Course duration & course dates 2011-12 The RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture is a one-year part-time course. It is possible to study for the external exams in three different ways with RBGE: 1) Day classes on a Wednesday from 10am until 12.30pm (40 weeks). 2) Evening classes on a Wednesday from 6.30pm until 9pm (40 weeks). 3) Distance learning option learning at your own pace (see page 14). The Wednesday day and evening classes broadly follow the academic year. This year the course dates are: Term 1: Wednesdays 17 th August - 14 th December 2011 Term 2: Wednesdays 11 th January 28 th March 2012 Term 3: Wednesdays 11 th April 27 th June 2012 Half term holiday dates - to be confirmed The morning and evening sessions run in parallel. Full course timetables will be given to students on the first session of the course. Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 4
4. Course structure and content The RHS Level 2 course is aimed towards the examinations set by the RHS, so the content is predominantly theory. We provide you with a complete set of information and learning support to help you pass the exams. For the taught course, each of the sessions is typically a well illustrated lecture followed by a 30 minute coffee break where you have a chance to meet your fellow students, discuss all things horticultural and make fast friends. The lectures are supported by a complete series of notes. The second half of most sessions is an hour-long mini-workshop, garden walkround, discussion forum or quiz. These sessions all support the theory lectures, building on the core knowledge and skills you need. They are also an ideal opportunity to broaden your experience of horticulture and learn new skills. Course tutors are RBGE staff and other experienced horticulturists and botanists. The course is broken down into two separate certificates that are designed to stand alone. When combined, they make up the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture. Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development Study Hours* 1. Plant classification, structure and function 50 2. Plant nutrition and the root environment 30 3. Maintaining plant health 30 4. Understanding plant propagation 30 Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance Study Hours* 5. Understanding garden features, plant selection and planning 50 6. Understanding the choice, establishment and maintenance of gardens plants and 30 lawns 7. Understanding the production of outdoor vegetables and fruit 30 8. Understanding protected environments and their use in plant cultivation 30 If you take the taught course, you can expect do around 4½ hours per week self- study, which can be homework set by tutors or your own research and revision. Spending time working on your own or other gardens is a great way to revise your knowledge (as long as you think about what you're doing!). Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 5
Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development A certificate focusing on many of the processes that go on 'behind the scenes' in a plant. These are the fundamentals that help everything else make sense in plants when you are working with them in the garden. Unit 1: Plant classification, structure and function This unit provides a solid grounding in basic botany. Considerable time is devoted to understanding the structures and processes that allow plants to survive from the cellular level right through to the myriad variety of leaves, flowers and fruits that make horticultural plants so interesting. Whilst there is a considerable amount of technical botanical information in this unit, it is geared towards real-life situations, making it easy to understand and apply in gardening and wider horticultural contexts. Unit 2: Plant nutrition and the root environment One of the keys to maintaining healthy plants is, of course, an understanding of plant nutrition. This unit works through plant nutrition from first principles. We cover soil structure and properties both mineral and organic, as well as looking at the fauna and microflora that the soil harbours and the ways in which these organisms interact with each other, the soil, and the plants growing there. Soil management is an important part of this unit, so we also look at how to use the right compost, fertilizer or mulch for the job. Unit 3: Maintaining plant health This unit discusses weeds, pests and diseases and their control. As well as this, we cover plant physiological problems such as the effects of nutrient deficiencies, drought, overwatering and excessive sun and shade. Unit 4: Understanding plant propagation Successful, safe propagation is one of the fundamental skills for the horticulturist and gardener. This unit covers propagation, both from seed and using vegetative methods. We discuss the relative merits and disadvantages of each type of propagation and which is the most appropriate for each plant or group of plants. Vegetative propagation includes learning about techniques such as cuttings, layering and grafting, as well as care and safe use of the tools and equipment needed to do the job. Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 6
Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance A certificate focused on gardens and the huge diversity of plants and other materials available to the gardener. Emphasis is placed on the selection and maintenance of plants, with a great deal of information from the first certificate feeding in to support this one. Unit 5: Understanding garden features, plant selection and maintenance This unit is an introduction to the principles of garden design, from site analysis and identification of purpose and potential, through surveying, to putting together the actual designs. Garden styles, materials and the initial processes of bed layouts are discussed. Soft landscaping and the selection of plants is then introduced with an opportunity to learn about a huge range of horticulturally significant plants something for every situation. and this continues into the next unit. Unit 6: Understanding the choice, establishment and maintenance of garden plants and lawns Continuing on from the previous unit we look at how to select specimens for whatever job you have in mind. Everyone will be able to bring some of their own knowledge to this unit as we cover the following topics:- 1. Annuals and herbaceous perennials appropriate for bedding, borders and baskets. We also look at the different ways in which to organise these planting schemes for any garden situation. 2. Woody plants are a very large group, encompassing ornamental trees, shrubs, climbers, hedging plants and ground cover. 3. Lawns and turfing, including choice of plants, establishment of lawns, and annual care. 4. Alpine and rock garden plants and choosing and growing these specialised plants. 5. Planting and maintaining a garden pool. Unit 7: Understanding the production of outdoor vegetables and fruit Whether you are cultivating fruit, vegetables, or both, food crops are one of the most rewarding groups of plants to grow. This unit provides an overview of the most common food garden and smallholding plants grown in the UK and similar climates. Groups include tree, bush and cane fruits such as apples, currants and raspberries, soft fruits (e.g. strawberries) and a wide range of vegetables such as peas, brassicas, lettuces and carrots. Cultivation strategies and timing, as well as pest control are important elements of this unit. We also discuss the broader theory behind site selection, crop rotation, making beds and soil cultivation. Unit 8: Understanding protected environments and their use in plant cultivation Protected cultivation covers a diverse range of techniques used to cultivate plants in a protected environment. This unit covers the whole spectrum, from simple container grown plants through to cultivation of plants in glasshouses, conservatories and indoors. We look at the ways in which these forms of protected cultivation differ from each other and from the outdoor environment. Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 7
5. Examinations Each unit will be assessed by a separate written examination covering all learning outcomes specified in that unit. The examinations will be offered twice a year, in February and June. Taught Course Fees for sitting each unit once only at RBGE are included in the course fees. To re-sit any unit or if you were absent, you will need to pay the RHS registration fee to take that unit at a later sitting. Distance Learning You can register to take the exams at RBGE or at your nearest examination centre. You will need to pay the RHS registration fee, but as an internal student, you will not need to pay the RBGE administration fee if you take the exams here in Edinburgh. Examination Dates and Registration Fees These have not yet been published by the RHS for February and June 2012. We will inform all our students as soon as possible of the exact dates and fees and send out exam registration forms in good time before registration deadlines. 2011 prices ranged from 10-12 per unit. If you register and then later decide you would like to defer your exam until a later sitting you must inform RBGE more than 6 weeks before the exam. If you inform us later than this then the RHS cannot defer you, you will lose your fee and will have to pay to re-register for that exam. If you are absent on the day of the exam, you lose your fee and will have to pay to re-register for that exam. If you have any physical or written access requirements (e.g. if you have dyslexia or English is not your first language) please contact RBGE when you register for your exam. In addition, it is very helpful if you can include a doctor's note or similar information with your exam registration form. Sitting exams in the future You will remain an internal RBGE candidate for two years after taking the course with us. After two years you will be considered as an external candidate and will need to pay both the RHS registration fee and an RBGE administration fee. Please contact us in good time for a registration form, so that we can book you with the RHS. Information provided by the RHS Further details about RHS qualifications and the exams are available on the RHS website. www.rhs.org.uk/courses/qualifications If you provide us with an email address, when you are first registered for an exam with the RHS you should receive an email with log-in details for the RHS Student Portal. This gives you access to information for students including exam results when they are published. Please note that this service is administered entirely by the RHS and any questions or queries concerning it should be directed to them. Direct Telephone: 01483 226 500 Email: Qualifications@rhs.org.uk Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 8
6. Education at RBGE The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has always been an institution devoted to learning in all its forms. It began life as a physick garden, in which Edinburgh s aspiring doctors could learn about the cures they would encounter during their work. Needless to say, a lot has changed since, but the mission of RBGE remains much the same To explore and explain the world of plants. The education department helps explain the world of plants to everybody from nursery school children through to adult learners of all ages. We offer diverse and varied schools programmes, and a huge range of further and continuing education courses including HND, MSc and the RHS level 2 Certificate course. Our focus on horticulture and botanical education allows us to devote the expertise of our staff to supporting students through their studies. No matter what they are coming here to learn, students always find RBGE a friendly and welcoming place. We also have the benefit of excellent living collections and a newly developed teaching nursery. RBGE has three Regional Gardens in addition to the Garden at Edinburgh. All of them are equally committed to public outreach and education: Benmore Botanic Garden in Scotland s temperate west coast rainforest; exotic Logan Botanic Garden, basking in the Gulf Stream and Dawyck Botanic Garden, nestled in the cool dry climate of the Border hills. 7. Practical Horticulture Courses and Workshops RBGE offers a series of practical courses and workshops which offer a useful complement to this course. Please see the RBGE Adult Education & Professional Course Prospectus for details of these. You can download a copy at www.rbge.org.uk/education (NB: you are given all the information you require for the RHS exams within the classes/course notes for this course). 8. Financial support ILA Scotland: ILA Scotland is a Scottish Executive scheme for anyone 18 or over who lives in Scotland. If you earn 22,000 a year or less, you could be eligible for an Individual Learning Account which can be used to pay up to 200 towards your course fees. Please contact ILA Scotland (0808 100 1090, www.ilascotland.org.uk) for more details. Professional and Career Development Loans: RBGE is also a registered Learning Provider. If you wish to find out more about a Professional and Career Development Loan visit the website www.direct.gov.uk/pcdl or freephone 0800 585 505. If you would like to apply for a PCDL in advance of the course starting, please quote our provider number: 12440 Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 9
9. Taught course costs The fee for both the morning and evening one year taught courses is 550, which is payable on acceptance of a place and includes the following: Lecture Series for 40 weeks Full set of course notes Copies of all additional visual presentations Exam registration fees for one sitting of each paper Access to the RBGE Student web area including horticultural and botany forums and online teaching resources 10. Application procedure for taught courses Please complete and return the Taught course application form to us by 15 th July 2011. Fees are payable on acceptance of a course place, prior to the commencement of the programme. If you wish to use an Individual Learning Account to pay some of your fees (see point 6), please include your ILA number on your form. Please contact the Education Administrator, 0131 248 2937 or education@rbge.org.uk if you have any questions. Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 10
RHS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN THE PRINCIPLES OF HORTICULTURE APPLICATION FOR DISTANCE LEARNING OPTIONS It is not necessary to send any supporting information about yourself (e.g. CVs). Simply complete the form. It is not necessary for applicants to have previous qualifications or relevant experience. A strong interest is enough, but please fill in the form thoroughly. The next course starts on Wednesday 17 August 2011. It involves eight units of study and finishes in June 2012. Applicants are asked to note that the focus of this course is on the theory behind the science of horticulture and not on the art of gardening. It is a classroom and lecture based course, has a minimum practical element and some note taking may be required. Do not send any money with this form. If you are offered a place payment will be requested in advance of the start of the course. Please return this form by Friday 15 July 2011. Applicants will be informed by Friday 29 July 2011. Title: Mr / Miss / Ms / Mrs / Dr / Other Name: Sex: M / F (delete as appropriate) Date of Birth: (dd/mm/yy) Address: Date application received Reference number RHS 2011-12 Offered Place Accepted Place YES / NO YES / NO Postcode: Telephone: (please provide at least one) Work: or Home: Mobile: E-mail: ILA number (if applicable) I would like to apply for the Mornings, 10.00am 12.30pm Evenings, 6.30pm 9.00pm *Separate application form for the distance learning option at the end of this booklet Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 11
Qualifications (in brief) TAUGHT COURSE APPLICATION FORM Professional Background and Experience Reasons for applying for this course? What do you hope to gain from this course? Please return this form by 15 th July 2011 to: Education Administration (RHS) Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 20A Inverleith Row Edinburgh EH3 5LR Any further queries, please call the Education Office on 0131 248 2937, or email education@rbge.org.uk Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 12
Distance Learning Option 11. Further information on Distance Learning The content of the distance learning course is the same as for the taught courses. You must have access to a computer and e-mail account for the distance learning course. A computer is necessary to view the lecture program on CDROM, although we can provide everything you need to know in hardcopy (paper) form as well. You will also be able to access the RBGE Student web area including horticultural and botany forums and online teaching resources. In addition, we use e-mail to provide tutorial support, so you can contact us with any questions you have about course content, interpretation of the notes, or exam techniques. As well as allowing us to answer these course queries quickly, e-mail is convenient for us to contact you with information about exams or other course-related news. However, we will be able to accept a small amount of correspondence by post for those who have no chance to access e-mail. The course consists of 2 smaller certificates, which together make up the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture. The certificates are: Certificate 1: Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development Plant classification, structure and function Plant nutrition and the root environment Maintaining plant health Understanding plant propagation Certificate 2: Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance Understanding garden features, plant selection and planning Understanding the choice, establishment and maintenance of gardens plants and lawns Understanding the production of outdoor vegetables and fruit Understanding protected environments and their use in plant cultivation For distance learners only, there is the option to study these individually as a stand alone certificate. Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 13
12. Distance Learning dates and timing The distance learning option allows students a really flexible way to study and take the exams - you can take as long as you wish to study. Our mailout dates give you at least 20 weeks of study before each set of exams, although we recommend this due to work or other commitments many students would rather study for the full course over 18 months or two years. The course has been accredited a credit value of 28 by Ofqual i.e. it is considered to require 280 learning hours to complete to the required standard. If you wished to complete the course within nine months i.e. by June 2012, that would equate to c. 7½ hours of selfstudy a week. Our students experience of the course in 2010-11 suggests between 5 and 10 hours a week on average. We provide e-mail tutorial support for a period of up to 18 months from registration date. The start dates for the Distance Learning options are: Option Start Date A Start Date B 1. Full Course September 2011 February 2012 or 2. Certificate 1 September 2011 February 2012 3. Certificate 2 September 2011 February 2012 13. Distance learning course costs and resources The fee for the full course is 400, and 250 for the individual certificates, this is payable on application and includes the following: Set of course notes Please note: The notes may be fairly large parcels that may require collection from your local post office if you are not available to receive them on delivery. Copies of all additional visual presentations on CDROM Self tests Access to the RBGE Student web area including horticultural and botany forums and online teaching resources E-mail tutorial support You can contact the course tutor with any horticultural study questions, and we will reply weekly. This is available for up to 18 months from your registration date (1 year for individual certificates.) You can register to take the exams at RBGE or your nearest examination centre. (RHS Approved Centres can be found on the RHS website www.rhs.org.uk/courses/qualifications). If you take the exams here at RBGE, you will need to pay the RHS registration fee for the exams, but as an RBGE student, you will not need to pay the RBGE administration fee. Exam registration forms for sitting the exams at RBGE will be sent out to our students in good time before registration deadlines. Overseas students receive all course notes etc. on CDROM otherwise an additional fee of 20 will be applied to cover the extra costs of postage for the paper notes. Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 14
14. Distance learning application procedure Please complete the Distance learning application form on the following pages of this handbook and return it to us by 5 th August 2011. Please include a cheque made payable to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for the full course fee. If you are using an Individual Learning Account to pay some of your fees (see point 8), please include your ILA number on your form, and the appropriate course fees minus the ILA amount. Please contact the Education Administrator, 0131 248 2937 or education@rbge.org.uk if you have any questions. Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 15
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Date application received Reference number RHS 2011-12D Sent material Date: RHS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN THE PRINCIPLES OF HORTICULTURE APPLICATION FOR DISTANCE LEARNING OPTIONS Simply complete the form. It is not necessary for applicants to have previous qualifications or relevant experience. A strong interest in horticulture and plants is enough. It is not necessary to send any supporting information about yourself (e.g. CVs), although it is greatly appreciated if you take the time to fill in the second page of the application form, as it allows us to learn more about the kinds of people interested in our courses. Applicants are asked to note that the focus of this course is on the theory behind the science of horticulture and not on the art of gardening. Please return this form, with full payment by Friday 5 th August 2011. If you have any questions, or if you do not have access to a computer and/or e-mail, please contact us by telephone or letter before you send this form.* Title: Mr / Miss / Ms / Mrs / Dr / Other Name: Sex: M / F (delete as appropriate) Date of Birth: (dd/mm/yy) Address: Postcode: Telephone: (please provide at least one) Work: or Home: Mobile: E-mail*: *(Please write none and contact us if you have no access to a computer or e-mail) I would like to study the full course starting September 2011 / February 2012 I would like to study Certificate 1 starting September 2011 / February 2012 I would like to study Certificate 2 starting September 2011 / February 2012 Overseas Students Only I would like to receive the course materials: on CD-ROM by post (extra 20) *I enclose a cheque for made payable to: The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh * I am using my ILA number and enclose a cheque for Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 17
Qualifications (in brief) DISTANCE LEARNING APPLICATION FORM Professional Background and Experience Reasons for applying for this course? What do you hope to gain from this course? Please return this form by 5 th August 2011 to: Education Administration (RHS) Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 20A Inverleith Row Edinburgh EH3 5LR Any further queries, please call the Education Office on 0131 248 2937, or email education@rbge.org.uk Greg Kenicer (March 2011) 18