Alternative Farm Enterprises

Transcription

1 The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) was set up as a statutory body on 11 June 001 by the Minister for Education and Science. Under the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999, FETAC now has responsibility for making awards previously made by NCVA. Module Descriptor Alternative Farm Enterprises Level 5 C019 September 00

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3 Level Module Descriptor Summary of Contents Introduction Module Title Module Code Level Credit Value Purpose Preferred Entry Level Special Requirements General Aims Units Specific Learning Outcomes Portfolio of Assessment Describes how the module functions as part of the national vocational certificate framework. Indicates the module content. This title appears on the learner s certificate. It can be used to download the module from the website An individual code is assigned to each module; a letter at the beginning denotes a vocational or general studies area under which the module is grouped and the first digit denotes its level within the national vocational certificate framework. Indicates where the module is placed in the national vocational certificate framework, from Foundation to Level 3. Denotes the amount of credit that a learner accumulates on achievement of the module. Describes in summary what the learner will achieve on successfully completing the module and in what learning and vocational contexts the module has been developed. Where relevant, it lists what certification will be awarded by other certification agencies. Recommends the level of previous achievement or experience of the learner. Usually none but in some cases detail is provided here of specific learner or course provider requirements. There may also be reference to the minimum safety or skill requirements that learners must achieve prior to assessment. Describe in 3-5 statements the broad skills and knowledge learners will have achieved on successful completion of the module. Structure the learning outcomes; there may be no units. Describe in specific terms the knowledge and skills that learners will have achieved on successful completion of the module. Provides details on how the learning outcomes are to be assessed. Grading Individual Candidate Marking Sheets Module Results Summary Sheet Appendices Glossary of Assessment Techniques Assessment Principles Provides details of the grading system used. List the assessment criteria for each assessment technique and the marking system. Records the marks for each candidate in each assessment technique and in total. It is an important record for centres of their candidate s achievements. Can include approval forms for national governing bodies. Explains the types of assessment techniques used to assess standards. Describes the assessment principles that underpin the NCVA approach to assessment.

4 Introduction A module is a statement of the standards to be achieved to gain an NCVA award. Candidates are assessed to establish whether they have achieved the required standards. Credit is awarded for each module successfully completed. The standards in a module are expressed principally in terms of specific learning outcomes, i.e. what the learner will be able to do on successful completion of the module. The other elements of the module - the purpose, general aims, assessment details and assessment criteria - combine with the learning outcomes to state the standards in a holistic way. While the NCVA is responsible for setting the standards for certification in partnership with course providers and industry, it is the course providers who are responsible for the design of the learning programmes. The duration, content and delivery of learning programmes should be appropriate to the learners needs and interests, and should enable the learners to reach the standard as described in the modules. Modules may be delivered alone or integrated with other modules. The development of learners core skills is a key objective of vocational education and training. The opportunity to develop these skills may arise through a single module or a range of modules. The core skills include: taking initiative taking responsibility for one s own learning and progress problem solving applying theoretical knowledge in practical contexts being numerate and literate having information and communication technology skills sourcing and organising information effectively listening effectively communicating orally and in writing working effectively in group situations understanding health and safety issues reflecting on and evaluating quality of own learning and achievement. Course providers are encouraged to design programmes which enable learners to develop core skills.

5 1 Module Title Alternative Farm Enterprises Module Code C019 3 Level 4 Credit Value 1 credit 5 Purpose This module is a statement of the standards to be achieved to gain an NCVA credit in Alternative Farm Enterprises at Level. It is an elective module for the NCVA National Vocational Certificate Organic Agriculture Level. The module is designed to provide the learner with an understanding of a range of organic farming systems that can be developed on Irish farms. 6 Preferred Entry Level National Vocational Certificate Level 1, Leaving Certificate or equivalent qualifications and/or relevant life and work experiences. 7 Special Requirements None. 8 General Aims Learners who successfully complete this module will: 8.1 be familiar with a number of alternative enterprise opportunities 8. have the knowledge to start up an alternative enterprise 8.3 be familiar with organic standards as they apply to a range of farm enterprises 8.4 appreciate the economic and ecological benefits of a range of alternative farm enterprises 1

6 9 Units The specific learning outcomes are grouped into 6 units Learners must complete any three from the following units. Unit 1 Unit Unit 3 Unit 4 Unit 5 Unit 6 Farm Forestry Organic Deer Production Rural Tourism Organic Food Processing Pig Production Poultry Production 10 Specific Learning Outcomes Unit 1 Farm Forestry Learners should be able to: describe how forestry schemes relate to other EU farm schemes outline the grants and premiums available for forestry estimate the expected returns from forestry and the potential fiscal implications assess the impact of a farm forestry enterprise on a farm explain the environmental guidelines that a new farm forest enterprise must satisfy identify the options for establishing a farm forest enterprise describe the steps in planning and establishing an organic farm forest select the appropriate planting technique for a specific site plant a selection of trees identify the need for weed control carry out appropriate organic forms of weed control assess quality in young broadleaf plantations shape trees to improve their quality investigate the feasibility of setting up a farm forestry enterprise

7 recognise the standards necessary in a young plantation in relation to drainage, fencing and fire protection recognise the standards necessary in a young plantation in relation to plant stocking, nutrition and crop health Unit Organic Deer Production Learners should be able to: describe the requirement for establishing an organic deer enterprise 10.. identify the main market outlets for deer estimate the return from different deer farming systems identify the main species of deer describe the growth rates, finishing age and weights for venison state the stocking rates for different species of deer state the requirements for fencing, handling and housing of deer outline the costs of establishing an organic deer production unit estimate the returns from a deer enterprise on a given farm investigate the feasibility of setting up a deer production enterprise Unit 3 Rural Tourism Learners should be able to: identify the components of a rural tourism holiday describe the role of the agencies involved in the development of the rural tourism industry list the essential accommodation requirements for rural tourism list leisure amenities suitable to rural tourism identify local natural resources that benefit rural tourism 3

8 appreciate the principles of customer care and hospitality identify activities compatible with an enjoyable rural tourism holiday recognise the market potential of organic farming in rural tourism recognise the need to market and sell a rural tourism product list the sources of grant aid for developing a rural tourism product investigate the feasibility of setting up a rural tourism enterprise Unit 4 Organic Food Processing Learners should be able to: describe organic standards as they apply to food processing demonstrate adding value to organic products by processing demonstrate the preparation of a range of home produced organic meat and milk products describe the hygiene and public safety regulations regarding food processing cost the establishment of a small food processing enterprise recognise the need for quality raw materials in organic food processing prepare a variety of organic salad products e.g. coleslaw and picked vegetables produce an organic jam investigate the feasibility of setting up a food processing enterprise Unit 5 Pig Farming Learners should be able to: outline organic standards as they apply to pig farming 4

9 10.5. outline the structure of the Irish Pig Industry and the potential for organic bacon describe the feeding and management of pigs in an organic system control and handle pigs in accordance with recommended practice identify signs of heat select pigs for sale feed pigs in accordance with recommended practice investigate the feasibility of setting up a pig production enterprise Unit 6 Poultry Rearing Learners should be able to: outline organic standards as they apply to poultry production describe the marketing requirements and potential for organic poultry products describe the management and feeding of poultry in an organic system outline the principles of nutrition as they apply to poultry in an organic system outline the welfare, housing and environmental requirements as they apply to organic poultry production investigate the feasibility of setting up a poultry rearing enterprise 11 Portfolio of Assessment Please refer to the glossary of assessment techniques and the note on assessment principles at the end of this module descriptor. All assessment is carried out in accordance with NCVA regulations. Assessment is devised by the internal assessor, with external moderation by the NCVA. 5

10 Summary Project 60% Examination (Theory-based) 40% 11.1 Project The internal assessor will devise a brief that requires the candidate to demonstrate understanding of the principles of establishing an organic farm enterprise an ability to identify management objectives following on from a feasibility study The candidate will set out in detail the procedures involved in establishing an organic alternative farm enterprise. The candidate must research the economic feasibility of setting up the chosen organic enterprise, detail the start up costs and produce a plan for the production of the finished product. The plan will include the key management and production practices that are essential to provide a good quality organic product. Evidence presented will include, an organic farm enterprise plan including start up costs and a report following the procedure of survey, analysis, objectives, proposals, implementation, monitoring and review. The form in which the project is presented will allow for a number of media to be used; written, oral, graphic, visual or a combination of these as required. The project may be undertaken as a group or collaborative piece of work. The individual contribution of each candidate must be clearly identified. 11. Examination The internal assessor will devise a theory-based examination that assesses the candidate s ability to recall and apply theory and understanding, requiring responses to a range of short answer and structured questions. These questions may be answered in different media such as in writing or orally. The examination will be based on a range of specific learning outcomes from all the units and will be hours in duration. The format of the examination will be as follows: Section A 1 short answer questions. Candidates are required to answer 10 ( marks each) Section B 6

11 3 structured questions Candidates are required to answer (10 marks each) 1 Grading Pass 50-64% Merit 65-79% Distinction % 7

12 Individual Candidate Marking Sheet 1 Alternative Farm Enterprises C019 Project 60% Candidate Name: NCVA Candidate No.: Centre: Roll No.: _ Assessment Criteria Maximum Mark Candidate Mark Project thorough investigation of the feasibility of the proposed enterprise including costing comprehensive management plan drawn up comprehensive report produced including interpretation, analysis and evaluation of information thorough understanding and application of the principles of organic production coherent presentation including supporting documentation TOTAL MARKS This mark should be transferred to the Module Results Summary Sheet 60 Internal Assessor s Signature: Date: External Examiner s Signature: Date: 8

13 Individual Candidate Marking Sheet Alternative Farm Enterprises C019 Examination (Theory-Based) 40% Candidate Name: NCVA Candidate No.: Centre: Roll No.: _ Assessment Criteria Section A: short answer questions 1 short answer questions, answer any 10 ( marks each) (Indicate questions answered) Maximum Mark Candidate Mark Question No.:* Section B: structured questions Subtotal 0 3 structured questions, answer any (10 marks each) (indicate questions answered) Question No.:* Subtotal 0 TOTAL MARKS This mark should be transferred to the Module Results Summary Sheet Internal Assessor s Signature: Date: External Examiner s Signature: Date: The internal assessor is required to enter here the question numbers answered by the candidate. 40 9

14 NCVA Module Results Summary Sheet Module Title: Alternative Farm Enterprises Module Code: C019 Mark Sheet Mark Sheet Assessment Marking Sheets 1 Maximum Marks per Marking Sheet Candidate Surname Candidate Forename Total 100% Grade* Signed: Internal Assessor: Date: This sheet is for internal assessors to record the overall marks of individual candidates. It should be retained in the centre. The marks awarded should be transferred to the official NCVA Module Results Sheet issued to centres before the visit of the external examiner. Grade* D: % M: 65-79% P: 50-64% U: 0-49% W: candidates entered who did not present for assessment 10

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