Play Hard and Get Ahead: Study at Outdoor Pursuits Centre

23 April 2012

Play Hard and Get Ahead: Study at OPC

The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre of New Zealand (OPC) is a not-for-profit Charitable Trust Outdoor Education organisation set up nearly 40 years ago by mountaineer Graeme Dingle, with support from his friend and mentor Sir Edmund Hillary.

As well as being New Zealand’s leading provider of outdoor education for school students, OPC is a registered Private Training Establishment funded by the Tertiary Education Commission that offers two full-time NZQA-approved tertiary courses.

OPC offers school leavers aged 18 or older the opportunity to go straight into its one-year Certificate in Outdoor Adventure Skills and Leadership (level 4), and then advance onto the one-year level 5 National Diploma in Outdoor Recreation (Instructing).

OPC is a working outdoor education centre, based around the pristine alpine wilderness of Tongariro. Students also have the chance to train at OPC’s marine education centre on rugged Great Barrier Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. Students benefit from a hands-on tertiary training and a dynamic learning environment at the forefront of the outdoor education field, and have unique opportunities for work experience. Students are instructed by a variety of experienced trainers from around the world who are experts in their field.

As well as gaining outdoor experience, certificate students will grow in confidence, and develop knowledge and skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, the environment, first aid and risk-management. Upon successful completion, students will graduate with the power and confidence to pursue a career in such rewarding fields as outdoor education and adventure tourism.

To be considered for entry into the certificate course, applicants must be at least 18, with a mature attitude, good physical fitness and water confidence, and must be able to demonstrate a keen interest in outdoor pursuits. Numbers are limited, to ensure a high-quality experience for students - early applications are encouraged.

Note: Certificate fees for 2013 are $6010 for domestic students and $15,405 for international students. Diploma fees are $7270 for domestic students and $16,486. Both courses run from February 11 to November 22, 2013. Accommodation is not included and students are expected to provide some personal equipment.

The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre of New Zealand has been built on the legacy of Sir Ed and Graeme Dingle nearly 40 years ago. Education is still being valued as OPC’s primary benefit during the rich outdoor learning experiences.

OPC’s school programmes are about ‘seeking summits’ on many levels. OPC develops tomorrow’s leaders by building spirit, a strong sense of group unity, camaraderie and valuable socials skills that last a lifetime in unique and unspoiled New Zealand settings.

Programmes take place at OPC centres in Tongariro and Great Barrier Island, as well as nationwide events including the Genesis Energy Hillary Challenge for senior students (year 12 and 13), the YouthTown Get2Go for junior students (year 9 and 10), and NavQuest for all secondary school level students, their families and interested public.

For further information please visit www.opc.org.nz

ENDS

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