New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Level 3) - SIT2LRN Distance Learning

Compulsory

COH100  Societal, environmental, and cultural factors influencing organic production philosophy (10 credits)
This paper introduces factors which have an influential role on organic production and the role these have in the development of a philosophy with regards to organic production. On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

1. Describe social and cultural factors that influence the development of organic primary production in New Zealand.
2. Describe environmental factors that influence the development of organic primary production in New Zealand.
3. Develop an organic production philosophy informed by social, cultural, and environmental factors which have an influence on organic production in New Zealand.

COH101  Biotic interactions within organic ecosystems (10 credits)
This paper introduces factors which have an influential role on organic production and the role these have in the development of a philosophy with regards to organic production. On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

1. Describe an organic production ecosystem and structure.
2. Explain the biotic interactions which occur within organic production ecosystems.
3. Explain the role of biotic interactions within organic production ecosystems.

COH102  Management for successful organic primary production (10 credits)
Students in this paper will apply the knowledge and skills regarding soil management, animal and plant pest management, and disease control to an organic primary production activity. On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

1. Summarise soil management methods relevant to organic primary production.
2. Identify and describe animal and pest plant controls relevant to organic primary production.
3. Identify and describe diseases which may impact upon organic primary production.
4. Establish a soil management plan for an organic primary production for either animal and pest plant control, or disease control.

COH103 Holistic Integration of Organic Principles for Primary Production (10 Credits)
This paper provides students with the knowledge necessary to develop an organic primary production plan which provides a holistic integration of organic principles.

1. Describe the relationship between a physical site and the organic primary production to occur on the site.
2. Explain elements important to successful planning of an organic primary production, such as biological diversity, ecosystem balance, soil protection, integrated pest and disease management, etc.
3. Identify companion plants and explain the role of companion planting in holistic integration of organic principles within an organic primary production plan.

 Elective - select 10 credits from the following:

COH104  Soil and ground preparation for organic production (5 credits)
This paper provides a context for students to apply knowledge relevant to the application of organic production principles. On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to: 

1. Describe soil formation and properties.
2. Identify and explain the preparation steps required to prepare an area for a specific organic primary production activity.
3. Undertake soil and ground preparation in anticipation of a specified organic primary production activity.

COH105  Establishment, care and protection of crops or pasture in organic production (5 credits)
This paper provides a context for students to apply knowledge relevant to the establishment, care and protection of crops or pasture in an organic primary production activity. On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

1. Describe crop or pasture establishment methods relevant to organic primary production.
2. Develop a management regime, inclusive of care and protection methods, for a specified crop or pasture which is part of an organic primary production activity.
3. Undertake either establishment, care or protection of a specified crop or pasture as part of an organic primary production activity.

COH106  Weed, animal pest, and disease control in organic primary production (5 credits)
This paper provides a context for students to apply knowledge relevant to the control of weeds, animal pests and diseases in an organic primary production activity. On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:

1. Develop a control plan for the control of weeds, animal pests, and diseases, for a specified organic primary production activity.
2. Undertake control of weed, animal pest, or diseases for a specified organic primary production activity.

The Zero Fees Scheme applies to this course, so there are no tuition fees as long as you are a New Zealand citizen, resident/permanent resident (residing in NZ), BUT there is a student direct material cost per credit of study undertaken, plus a non-refundable administration cost of $50 for each application processed, and the required textbook/s listed below. You must maintain satisfactory academic progress to retain your Zero Fees Scheme entitlement.

Zero Fees Scheme – applies to NZ citizens and residents/permanent residents (residing in NZ). 2019 Cost (NZ$) $7.00 per credit + admin cost of $50.00 per application (e.g. $700.00 for 100 credit course) - includes GST

International Students $100.00 per credit

Payment must be paid by the due date shown on the invoice.

Withdrawals & Transfers

• Early withdrawals within the first week of the intake starting are entitled to a full refund of the Student Direct Material Costs but not the non-refundable administration cost of $50.
• Withdrawals have to be requested within 75% of the intake, withdrawals after the early withdrawal date are not eligible for a refund.
• Transfer requests have to be within the first two weeks of the intake starting and will incur a $50 transfer fee. Transfers can only occur to a subsequence intake within the same calendar year.

All SIT2LRN courses are approved by Studylink. Any queries regarding Studylink allowances, loans, and terms and conditions should be made directly to Studylink on 0800 88 99 00 or www.studylink.govt.nz.

At the successful completion of this programme, students will have the required competencies to function successfully and effectively at entry levels within the horticulture sector. The various employment positions a graduating student could be expected to undertake following the completion of this programme could include the following examples:

• Nursery assistant
• Garden centre assistant
• Farmer
• Gardener

Applicants should be a minimum of 16 years of age, and have attained NCEA Level 2 as follows:

• 60 credits at Level 2 or above, plus
• 20 credits from any level, and

Literacy – minimum of 10 credits at Level 1 or above through either:

• specified assessment standards available through a range of subjects and English for Academic Purposes unit standards 22750 and 22751 (minimum total of 10 credits); or
• unit standards – package of three literacy unit standards (26622, 26624, 26625 – all three required).

Numeracy – a minimum of 10 credits at Level 1 or above through either:

• achievement standards – specified assessment standards available through a range of subjects (minimum total of 10 credits), or
• unit standards – package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627 – all three required).

Application by Mature Entry 

Applicants over the age of 20 years at time of enrolment will be considered where they can demonstrate the ability to succeed in a programme. Examples of demonstration of ability to succeed are the provision of evidence of successful completion of a programme of study at Level 2 or above and/or employment in the related sector for one or more years. They may be admitted subject to programme regulations approved by the Head of Faculty in consultation with the Programme Manager as appropriate.  Personal commitment and a belief in one’s own ability to succeed are important personal traits and will always be taken into consideration during the selection process.

Language Requirements

Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate of at least 80 per cent, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having passed an NZQA approved English Proficiency Assessment, or achieved the required score in one of the following internationally recognised English Proficiency tests within the preceding two years:

• IELTS test – General or Academic score of 5, with no band score lower than 5
• TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) – Score of 500 (with an essay score 4 TWE)
• TOEFL Internet- based test (iBT) – Score of 35 (with a writing score of 14)
• University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations – FCE, or FCE for schools, with a score of 154. No less than 154 in each skill. OET at Grade C in all sub-tests
• NZCEL a) Expiring b) Current – a) Level 3 (General) or (Workplace) b) Level 3 (General) 
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) – PToE (Academic) score of 36
• City and Guilds IESOL – B1 Achiever with a score of 43
• LanguageCert - B1 Achiever IESOL (LRWS) with PASS

Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate below 80 per cent, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English must provide evidence that they:

1. Have gained NCEA Level 3 and met New Zealand University Entrance requirements or
2. Hold a bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, The Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America or
3. Have achieved a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults, CELTA or
4. Have achieved one of the English Language competence tests (specified above) within the preceding two years.

All SIT2LRN courses require you to have a computer and internet access. Students are required to use their SIT webmail only for all SIT2LRN communications. All course materials and information, including assessments and due dates, are located on the online Blackboard system. Once you have been accepted into a programme you will receive an Important Information Booklet that includes information that you can use to familiarise yourself with our online Blackboard learning environment. From the intake start date you will have access to the online course materials to work through.

Facilitator Assistance:  During the enrolled intake period, students have email access to Facilitators, who endeavour to respond to emails within 48 hours (week days only).  All students are required, within the first two weeks of an intake, to send an email to their Facilitator confirming their start on the programme of study.  Students who have not emailed their facilitator or embarked upon their course of study by the end of the 2^nd week of an intake, will be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme.  Such withdrawals may impact on future access to SIT Zero Fees Scheme and Student Direct Material Costs are still liable for payment.

Progress reports are sent out 6-8 weeks after the end of each intake.

We recommend students new to SIT2LRN read through the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website for further study and enrolment information.

Please use the following checklist to ensure that all relevant information and documentation has been included. Remember, your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide us with.  Processing of your application will be delayed if we need to come back to you for missing information.

• I have read all sections of the Programme Information on this page
• I have read the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions section
• I have met all admission criteria for the programme (found under Application Criteria)
• I have met all the criteria for individual papers (found under Course Content).
• I have selected the paper(s) I wish to study
• I have selected intake(s) (I have selected alternate intakes rather than overlapping intakes)
• I know my intended payment method
• If my organisation/company is paying for my studies, I have a completed and approved purchase order to attach to my online application.  I am aware that should my organisation or company not pay my fees, these will become my responsibility.
• I have completed and attached a cross credit form (if applying for a cross credit)
• New students – I have provided an active NSN in the name I am enrolling in or I have verified ID and will attach it to my online application.
• New students – I will attach academic documentation (NZQA record of achievement/academic transcripts/certificates).  These do not need to be verified. (If you do not have any academic documentation to support your application, please attach a comprehensive CV outlining your education and work experience).
• I understand that this is a Level 3 programme therefore I will be required, by the Tertiary Education Commission, to complete at least one literacy and one numeracy assessment as part of my studies
• I have computer access,  an Internet connection and access to software to create electronic documents e.g. Microsoft Word or Open Office

What is the Zero Fees Scheme?

The Zero Fees Scheme means we do not charge tuition fees. However, there is a Student Direct Material Cost that you need to pay and a non-refundable administration fee. The administration fee is for processing your application and the Student Direct Material Cost gives you secure access to Blackboard® our online learning environment and to student support services throughout your study with us.

Who qualifies for the Zero Fees Scheme?

• A New Zealand citizen completing the full qualification or 
• An Australian citizen/New Zealand Resident or Permanent Resident who will be residing in New Zealand for the duration of your enrolment.

Instructions to help you with your application:

1. Read the Programme Information on this page and the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions and find out if you meet the application criteria for both the programme and the unit/s you wish to study.
2. Check your eligibility for Zero Fees. If you are not eligible to study under this scheme, please call
   0800 748 257 for further options.
3. Complete your online enrolment checking that:

If you are a new student …

• Provide an active NSN number in the name you are enrolling in (contact NZQA on 0800 697 296 to get your NSN number if you do not know it);
• If you do not have an active NSN, then attach a copy of your verified ID in the name you are enrolling in.
• If you are a Resident or Permanent resident of NZ, please provide a copy of proof of residency;
• Attach all academic documentation to support your application including copies of any certificates of courses you have undertaken / NZQA record of achievement / transcripts / CV;

Attach supporting documents as required and outlined on the previous page.

1. Please check that you have included all the required information and supporting documents.  Your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide.  Missing information will delay the processing of your application.
2. Please scan and email all additional documentation to sit2lrn@sit.ac.nz.

What happens next?

• You will receive an automatic email confirmation when we receive your online application. Processing may take up to three weeks. However, we will get in touch with you sooner if we require further documentation.
• Once your application has been accepted you will be sent a conditional offer of acceptance with an invoice and instructions on how to make payment.
• Once we have received your payment (or if you have opted to pay by Credit Card, Student Loan or Purchase Order) you will be sent an Enrolment Confirmation Letter and Important Information Booklet. Closer to the start of the intake you will receive a Time To Get Started Letter which will give you all the necessary information, tools and guidance to start your study with us.

To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Level 3), and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve:

• A minimum of 50 credits in accordance with the Programme schedule for the New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Level 3).
• The student will normally be expected to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Level 3) full-time over 6 months or part-time over 2 years.

Please Note: Students failing to engage in study as per programme requirements may forfeit Zero Fees entitlement.

The assessments in this programme are typically short paragraph questions. You will also need to draft a permaculture plan. There are no external exams for this course.

For more information on required and recommended textbooks for this course please refer to the textbook list here. 

Please note that textbooks need to be ordered at least 3-4 weeks prior to the commencement of your study