SAQA ID: 785941 Operate a Windows System NQF Level 05 Credits 00

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION
Purpose:

The qualification is aimed at individuals already employed or planning to become employed in operational supervision in the Adventure Based Learning sector. Adventure Based Learning (ABL), becomes experience-based when the key element of reflection is added to the activity experience. Activities can range from low, medium to high risk adventures that can create specific experience outcomes during an ABL program. Competent learners will be able to provide effective and efficient support as Adventure Based Learning organisers responsible for the development of programmes used for indoor and outdoor learning experiences.

In addition, the qualifying learner will be in a position to provide operational leadership to facilitators and instructors operating at adventure based learning sites whilst contributing to operations considering environmental impact and in particular the maintaining of safety and effective transfer of learning in accordance with industry standards.

This is critical to support the services offered within the industry from a perspective of professional and safe operation and will help to retain and grow the number of individuals progressing and being retained within the Adventure Based Learning environment as it will enable career progression through positioning of the learner to further their learning, practice and career within the guiding, recreation and tourism industry, either at further NQF levels, or in other areas of practice.

The learner successfully completing this qualification will have gained knowledge and ability to be able to:
Administer an Adventure Based Learning organisation or centre.
Design Adventure Based Learning Programmes.
Implement Adventure Based Learning Programmes.

Rationale:

In the context of creating a learning pathway for Adventure Based Learning practitioners, this qualification is intended to lead on from the FETC Adventure Based Learning. If this type of learning environment is to become truly accessible for all South Africans, it is essential that practitioners be afforded the opportunity to follow a career path by receiving recognised training to provide accessibility to programmes in this sector offered on higher levels of the National Qualifications Framework.

Adventure Based Learning practitioners at this level should be aware of the unique physical and safety demands of this alternative learning environment. This qualification will provide standards for safe and effective programme planning and implementation, which promote industry standards and benefits to individuals accessing this environment for purposes of personal and team development.

In being made aware of the requirements of Adventure Based Training interventions, practitioners will instil good attitudes, habits and behaviour in facilitators/instructors which will enable them to pursue higher levels of performance. In addition, individuals operating on this level will design and develop Adventure Based programmes and supervise the implementation and application thereof to develop the skills and competencies of volunteers and junior facilitators in support of transformation in the industry.

Adventure Based Learning competencies acquired in this qualification can be applied to positions such as:
Head facilitator/instructor.
Adventure Based Learning Programmes Leader.
Self-employed private Adventure Based Learning practitioner.
Centre manager.

The adventure-based industry is advancing rapidly and gaining greater status as a unique learning environment. To ensure its continued progress there is a need to build capacity in this sub-sector and it is essential that structures pertaining strictly to its core business be put in place, to ensure the continued professional development and growth of the industry.