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Playground Design
Playground Design 100 Hours Certificate Course
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Learn About Playground Design
Playground Design course online. This course emphasises the design and construction of playgrounds and small community parks, but is equally relevant to homes, schools and child care Centres.
Learn to Design Playgrounds and Understand the concepts behind designing children’s playgrounds, acquiring the skills to create a Play Ground that enhances the Play Experience for children.
This is an essential course for parks managers or landscape designers. It covers playground philosophy, design of play structures (for function & safety), materials selection, community participation and park design.
Anyone (Parent to landscaper) who develops a landscape that is to be used by children, has a responsibility to understand the full implications of what they are creating. Â That involves understanding what play is, how children play, and then applying that knowledge to forming a play friendly environment.
Course Information
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Student Reviews
“Dear Amanda
Kindly find my 8th and final assignment on Playground Design course.
I can’t wait to receive your comments and mark as usual. What is my next step? There is an exam?
I would like to thank all you all. It takes too long for me to finish the course but I enjoyed every chapter on it and I would like to thank you all for your help and support.
I will not stop here, I would like to register in new courses with you that is related to landscape and gardening. Thank you again and have a nice day day.”Â
Rana A – Certificate Playground Design – Jordan
Lessons
LESSON STRUCTURE:Â Â Playground Design BHT216
There are 8 Comprehensive Lessons:
1Â Overview of Parks and Playgrounds
- Introduction
- Playground Classification
- Big Toy Playgrounds
- Environmental Playgrounds
- Community Playgrounds
- Adventure (Free Play) Playgrounds
- Themed Playgrounds
- What a Playground is
- Insurance
- Manipulating and CHanging the Environment
- Play Forests
- How Valuable is a Playground?
- Checklist for Functional Value of a Playground Design
- Introduction tp Planning and Design
- The Purpose of a Park or Playground
- The Site Planning Process: Site Analysis, Design Concept, Master Plan
2Â Playground Philosophy
- Introduction
- Defining Play
- Theories of Play
- A Modern Perspective
- The Significance of Play
- Other Approaches to Understanding Play
- Playing and the Environment
- Trailing
- Adventure Playgrounds
- Establishing an Adventure Playground
- The Adventure Play Leader
- Site Design
3Â Preparing a Concept Plan
- Planning for Play
- Planning Processes
- McLoughlin’s Concept of Systems Planning
- Wilson’s Model of Systems Planning
- General Planning Theories
- Stages in Planning Processes
- Creating Effects
- A Step-by-Step Design Procedure
- Ways of Reducing Costs When Developing a Playground
- Playground Case Study: Occasional Care Centre – Moonee Ponds
4Â Materials
- Choosing Materials
- Comparing Construction Materials
- Barriers and Walls
- Surfaces
- Wood in Construction
- Checklist for Play Structures
- Sand Pits
- Use of Water
5Â Park and Playground Structures & Facilities
- Introduction
- Social Considerations
- Function
- Safety
- Cost
- Plants
- Garden Buildings and Structures in Parks and Playgrounds
- Siting Garden Buildings
- Planting Around a Garden Building
- Deciding What Building to Use
- What to do With the Floor
- Earth Forming
- Hiring Machinery
6Â Local and Neighbourhood Parks
- Introduction
- Fun and Fitness Trails
- Skateboarding
- Outdoor Multi-Purpose Courts
- Court Elements
- Specifications
- Usage
- Park Interpretation
- Planning
- Methods of Intepretation
- What Can be Interpreted?
- BMX Facilities
- Case Study: Community Play Park – Mansfield
7Â Community Participation in Park Development
- Introduction
- Ways to Involve the Community
- Planning for Community Projects
- Needs Assessment
- Components of a Needs Assessment
- Needs Assessment Process
- Feasibility Study
- Nature of Community Gardens
- Problems
- Organisation
- Other Considerations
8Â Special Assignment
- Lesson 8 consists of learning through completing a special assignment. By now you should have learnt sufficient knowledge about designing parks and playgrounds to have a broad perspective of the field and what it covers.
Learning Goals
Learning Goals: Playground Design BHT216
- Examine the nature and scope of playgrounds and understand basic planning procedures.
- Understand different theories of play and playground design.
- Become familiar with planning and principles of design, and their importance in creating concept plans.
- Describe different materials used for playgrounds.
- Examine different types of park and playground structures.
- Discuss different types of neighbourhood parks.
- Review community involvement in playground design and construction.
- Conduct a special project to refine your understanding of playground design.
Practical (Set Tasks)
Set Practical Tasks: Playground Design BHT216 :
- Contact your local government or municipal planning department: a) Find out how they decide where to build parks and what facilities to put there. b) See if you can obtain any demographic information for your area (e.g. the numbers of people of
- different ages and sex in each part of your locality). c) Find out if they know of any historical influences on the siting and design of parks in your
- locality.
- Select or find a park site containing a playground that is at least ten years old. Inspect the playground (including structures) carefully for wear and tear, and function (usability). Make notes of anything you observe.
- Conduct an internet search for “Montessori playgrounds”. Make notes on what you can find out about this style
- of playground and the philosophy behind it.
- Visit one established park and one established playground. Evaluate the design of the park and playground.
- Visit three different parks and/or playgrounds. Investigate the use of barriers, including bollards, fences, plantings and walls in those parks/playgrounds.
- Investigate equipment available from three different playground supply companies. Contact the companies directly or review their products online using an internet search. Choose two different items of playground equipment and compare what each company has to offer. In particular, note how they adhere to safety standards.
- Select or find a park site containing a playground that is at least ten years old. Inspect the playground (including structures) carefully for wear and tear, and function (usability). Make notes of anything you observe.
- Inspect four different items of outdoor furniture intended for use in parks or playgrounds. You might visit a supplier to find these items, or inspect suitable items on-site in a park or playground.
- Contact your local council parks department or planning authority. Find out any legal requirements covering the design and operation of playgrounds under their control. Are there any standards relating to the design of playgrounds?
- Visit two different playground areas. Observe carefully how the playground has been designed. If possible contact the management bodies for the playgrounds and enquire how the design of each playground has been influenced by concerns about legal liability.
- Visit several neighbourhood parks. Observe what activities are being carried out. If possible interview several users of the park to find out what things they do in the park, what things they would like to happen in the park, and what things they think shouldn’t occur in the park. If possible talk the management bodies for each park. Find out their views on these matters.
- Inspect at least three different paths within parks that you are familiar with. Compare the construction of each path in terms of: Durability, Safety, Function and Maintenance Requirements.
- Find a park which has been developed with community participation. Find out the attitudes of the local community to that development. Some ways to do this include: a) A survey of park users and/or immediate neighbours to the park, b) Discussion with the local parks management, c) Observations of people using the park and d) Consulting newspaper or journal articles and written reports about the park
- Contact an insurance company, or consult literature produced by an insurance company, and find out what would be involved in getting insurance to cover a community group getting together to build a playground over a weekend (at a school, public park, or a preschool). It may be that insurance for this type of venture is covered under something like insurance for an ‘event’, or similar. Also find out what would be involved to insure the playground afterwards. Make notes.
Examinations
Program Summary
More Information
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.
If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.
In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.Â
Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.
How our courses work
- Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline. - Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited. - Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.
Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit.  - Set Tasks and Self-Tests
Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests. - Exams
Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead.
Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this. - Design Your Own Qualification
ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
Career Options
What's Included
What your tuition fees include
- All Course Material via Online, USB or Correspondence
- Assignments Marked
- Professional Tutor Feedback
- Set Tasks - Practical Exercises to help you develop skills
- Self-Tests – multiple choice questions at the end of lessons in most modules
- Unlimited Personal Tutor Support – via our student classroom
- Committed and Friendly Admin Support – vital to your success
- All ADL Exam or Project fees (exception RHS exams)
- Qualification Certificate
- Official Transcript with assignment grades
- Student Manual
Plus FREE
- Academic Writing course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Critical Thinking course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Job Seekers Careers Guide
- Study Tips on How To Study Better
- Career Counselling by ADL Staff
- CV Writing Help, Tips and Advice
There are no hidden extras
Career Opportunities
FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications
GENERALÂ
If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]
Q:Â When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.
Q:Â I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas?
A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.
Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification?
A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.
Q:Â Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A:Â The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.
Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications.
A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.
Q:Â What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A:Â Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.
RHS EXAMS
Q:Â When Do Exams Take Place?
A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute
Q:Â Where Do I Take My Exams?
A:Â UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK.
Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.
Q:Â Exam Pass Marks?
A:  Module – pass 50%.  Commendation 70%.
Qualification:Â 50% pass for all modules.
Commendation awarded for all modules.
Each question carries a value of 10 marks.
Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results?
A:Â You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.
There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,