11 September 2007

Options for Sport Education Investigated

Feedback from local sporting and health industries as well as schools has provided valuable information about what types of tertiary sport qualifications they would like delivered locally to meet their needs. The feedback was part of a cooperative research project commissioned by Whanganui UCOL, Sport Wanganui and the Wanganui District Council.

“As a result, a level 4 Certificate in Exercise and Sport Performance, is being proposed. This Certificate has the practical components required by industry and papers that align more closely with their identified needs. It allows for a good pathway into the Bachelor of Human Performance and this was important as the research had identified there was still a significant number of people interested in further study” said Mrs Frecklington, Principal of Whanganui UCOL.

Papers from the Level 4 Certificate could also be packaged into two Short Course Awards that sit alongside the certificate. These short course awards, one on health and exercise, and the other on sport coaching and administration, would specifically meet the needs expressed by Health Professionals and Coaches in the workforce.

The next step is to confirm whether there is sufficient demand for the course. Sport Wanganui are helping to contact secondary schools in particular to assess firm numbers. “This work is expected to be complete and a decision made about whether the programme will proceed at the end of October” said Ms Frecklington. “We would like to hear from anyone who is interested in enrolling in this proposed certificate.”

Chief Executive of Sport Wanganui Philip Kearney said they wanted to jointly explore options for partnerships with others to provide the training, including innovative ways of delivering to learners that ensured long term sustainability. “We want a long term solution that meets the needs of prospective learners, and the growth and development requirements of our sporting industry and community.”

ENDS

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