RHS Level 3 Certificate 1 Handbook 2013 - Royal Botanic Garden ...

Royal Horticultural Society Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Health and applied Propagation (RHS) Applicant’s Handbook 2013-2014

Welcome… …to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), and thank you for requesting further information on the RHS level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation (RHS Level 3 part 1). This is the first of two theory certificates that go together with a practical certificate to make the RHS Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture. Although the names of these certificates are a bit of a mouthful, we tend to refer to them as: • Level 3 part 1 (this qualification), which covers botany, plant health, • Level 3 part 2 available in parallel with this qualification • Level 3 Diploma which also requires you to do a practical component, although we do not know yet if we will be able to offer this at RBGE. These certificates are ideal if you have a real passion for plants and gardens as well as some experience in horticulture behind you, through several years as an attentive gardener, allotmenteer or, for example, working in a garden centre. We would generally recommend studying the RHS level 2 certificate in Horticulture before taking on this course, but it is not always necessary. Feel free to get in touch if you are unsure about the level of the course. The course is offered through long afternoons for 26 taught sessions through the year, beginning at the end of October. RBGE 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 3 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 3 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!

Gregory Kenicer Head of Education Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh [email protected]

Greg Kenicer (August 2013)

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Contents 1. Introduction to the course

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2. Entry requirements

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3. Course duration and course dates

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4. Course structure and content

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5. Examinations

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6. Education at RBGE

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7. PropaGate – RBGE’s virtual learning environment

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8. Practical horticulture courses and workshops at RBGE

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9. Financial support

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10. Course costs

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11. Course application procedure

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12. Application Form

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1. Introduction to the course The RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation replaces a part of the old RHS Advanced Certificate in Horticulture. The course builds on the current Level 2 certificate and delivers a broad-based understanding of horticultural techniques and plant biology. If you are based in Scotland, it is equivalent to something between a higher and an advanced higher. 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, The Level 3 is comparable in level to some elements of the first year of the RBGE diploma in Horticulture with Plantsmanship, or the larger BSc (Hons) degree in horticulture with Plantsmanship offered by RBGE and the Scottish Agriculture College and awarded by the University of Glasgow.

2. Entry requirements Although the RHS Level 3 Certificate does not require any prior qualifications the RHS level 2 certificate is a very valuable starting point. Fundamentally, however, all you need is an interest in the subject and a willingness to set aside an afternoon a week, plus a few additional hours for home 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.

3. Course duration & course dates 2013-14 The RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation is a one-year part-time course, leading to exams and the qualification. It runs as follows: Day classes on a Monday from 18.30pm until 21.00pm (31 taught and exam weeks).. • • •

Term 1: Mondays: 30th September to 16th December Term 2: Mondays: 13th January to 14th April [Exams Wednesday 12th of February] Term 3: Mondays: 28th April to 9th June [Exams Wednesday 25th of June]

Half term and other holidays usually match those for Edinburgh schools As this course runs on Mondays, there are several public holidays scattered through the timetable. You will receive a full timetable at the beginning of the course. Greg Kenicer (August 2013)

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4. Course structure and content The RHS Level 3 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. It is a part of the wider Qualifications, Credit Framework (QCF), a system that is designed to allows you to study a huge range of subjects to tailor your learning. For this course, each of the sessions is typically a well illustrated lecture and walkround, including plant ident. or discussion session followed by a coffee break where you have a chance to meet your fellow students, discuss all things horticultural and make fast friends. The second half of most sessions is a mini-workshop or practical session, 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. We will also set assignments, such as plant and pest portfolios for you to work on in your own time, and also have mock-exam sessions. The course is the first of two theory certificates that are also designed to stand alone. When combined with the RHS Level 3 certificate in practical horticulture, they make up the RHS Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture. Although we are planning

to run the second theory certificate at RBGE, this is unlikely to begin until later 2013, and will probably follow a similar format (through the course of a year). We do not expect to offer the RHS practical certificate, as the requirements of centres to teach it are much more appropriate to further and higher education colleges. Principles of Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation 1. Plant taxonomy, structure and function 2. The root environment, plant nutrition and growing systems 3. The management of plant health. 4. Understanding applied plant propagation

Learning Hours** 50 50

QCF Credits 5 5

30 20

3 2

*These are the study hours recommended by the RHS. You will cover about 2/3 of the study hours in class, as guided learning hours, with the remainder as self- study at home. You can expect do around 3 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!).


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Principles of Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation This certificate follows on from the Level 2 certificate in the principles of horticulture. It is the ‘sciency-bit’ of the larger Level 3, and covers many of the processes that go on 'behind the scenes' in a plant, but also looks at how this theory can be practically applied in everyday horticulture. These are the fundamentals that help everything else make sense in plants when you are working with them in the garden. Unit 1: Plant taxonomy, structure and function This is the botany section and really helps you to get to grips with plants, their diversity and how they work. There are 7 major learning areas in this part of the course, including plant taxonomy, tissues, reproduction, photosynthesis and respiration, transport, movement and regulation of growth. Understanding this helps you make sense of many of the processes later in the course.

Unit 2: The root environment, plant nutrition and growing systems Focussing on all manner of growing media, this unit begins with a look at soil and soil formation, as well as the structure and properties of the mineral and biological components of soils. We also look at nutrient deficiencies and fertilisers, as well as the principles of organic growing and the ways in which soils and plant health can be managed in organic systems.

Unit 3: The management of plant health This unit covers two major learning areas – firstly, how to keep abreast of ever-changing legislation on pesticides and other plant health chemicals. Secondly, this unit expects you to identify and manage a wide range of pests, diseases and disorders in the garden - these are very diverse, and you are expected to know symptoms, damage and controls for them.

Unit 4: Understanding applied plant propagation Seed and vegetative propagation, and when to use which are essential tools in any gardener’s skillset. This unit looks at how the germinating seed works, the requirements for seed storage and propagation and other similar forms of propagation, such as sowing fern spores. It also covers the physiological processes underlying successful vegetative propagation looking at cuttings, layering, division, grafting and budding.


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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. 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. Examination Dates and Registration Fees The exams for this session are: • Wednesday the 12th of February 2014 • Wednesday the 25th of June 2014 We will send out exam registration forms in good time before registration deadlines. •

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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: [email protected]

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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 physic 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 diplomas, BSc, 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. PropaGate – RBGE’s virtual Learning Environment This course is predominantly a taught course, with some ‘homework’ exercises to guide your study at home. The course is also supported by PropaGate - RBGE’s virtual learning environment. As a student on the RHS level 3, you will have access to this superb resource, which contains a wide range of learning materials to support your study, including revision aids, study tips and all of the course teaching resources and assignments made available online as they are available to you. There are also discussion forums, a glossary of terms for quick reference and many other facilities being rolled out through the coming year.

8. 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).


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9. Financial support Individual Learning Accounts are a Scottish Government scheme for people on low incomes. You can apply for an account of £200 which you can use towards your course fees on this or other eligible courses. Contact Skills Development Scotland http://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/section/funding or on 0800 917 8000 for more details.

10. Course costs The fee for this course is £580, which is payable on acceptance of a place and includes the following: • • • •

Lecture Series for 30 weeks, plus revision sessions and visits Online access to PropaGate – RBGE’s virtual learning environment Copies of notes and presentations Please note, this includes the exam fees.

11. Application procedure Please complete and return the application form to us by 13th September 2013. Fees are payable on acceptance of a course place, before the start of the programme. Please contact the Education Administrator, 0131 248 2937 or [email protected] if you have any questions.


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Royal Horticultural Society Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Health and applied Propagation Application Form As with the Level 2 certificates offered at RBGE, the focus of this RHS course is the theory behind the science of horticulture rather than the art of gardening. It is a classroom and lecture-based course, has little practical element. Note-taking in class and some homework assignments are requirements of the course. 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 complete and return this form to us as soon as possible, we will continue to accept applications until the course is full. Please send your completed form to:

Education Administrator (RHS) Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 20a Inverleith Row Edinburgh EH3 5LR

1. Personal Details Title Mr / Mrs / Ms / Miss / Dr / Other ___________ Name:

Contact Numbers:

Address:

Daytime: Evening: Mobile:

Sex: M / F

(delete as appropriate)

Date of Birth: (dd/mm/yy)

Email Address:

2. Payment Details (please select your payment option)

Non- ILA ILA*

Price £580 £580

ILA £200

Amount Due £580 £380

*My Individual Learning Account (ILA) number is __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ My ILA account expires:


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3. Application Form Existing Qualifications & Experience (in brief)

Professional Background

Reasons for applying for this course?

What do you hope to gain from this course?

Where did you hear about this course?

Do you have any additional support needs? Please give details.

For office use only: Date application received Offered Yes / No place


Date:

Reference Number Place Yes / No accepted

Date:

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