frequently asked questions
Q: Where and when do I attend classes?
A:If you are on campus, you will attend classes every day. Learning time is spent in the classroom and out in the field, in the gym or at an event. Each Friday is mentor day when you review the work completed each week and ensure that you are up to date with your studies and your tasks.
Q: What material or books do I need for my studies?
A:When you register for your eta course you order your academic pack, which will consist of all the things you need for your studies and to attend classes. You receive an eta manual, Study Guide, Portfolio for evidence. The clothing includes eta T-shirts, shorts, tracksuit pants, cap & bag. The eta manual, student guide and portfolio of evidence are your learning resources and you will use them in class and when preparing for the practical components of your course. The clothing is included to ensure that you look professional when studying with us and when going out into the field with your practical learning. Pack fees are available at the beginning of each year.
Q: How long is the course?
A:If you register for any of a diploma, it will take you 2-years to complete. A certificate takes a year to complete. Watch out for the new legislation from 2010 though – as a result of that, eta will be offering 3-year diplomas from 2010 and higher certificates of one year as well
Q: Entrance requirements for any of our qualifications?
A:The minimum recommended requirement for admission for level 5 Certificates or Diplomas is the National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) or better in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects.
Students who have completed Life Science subjects and or the following subjects are likely to cope with the exercise science element of the coaching science and the fitness courses:
- Biology and or other science subjects
- Consumer Science (previously home economics) – this subject includes nutrition, and elements of biology
- Life Orientation is not examined but student must have achieved a minimum of 50% in their overall mark for this subject.
- Math literacy is acceptable i.e. students do not have to have done mathematics
Additionally, a comprehensive understanding and literacy in English is required as the course work is in English and there is a large component of written assignments in the assessment.
Q: What field work and practical hours required?
A:All students are required to complete practical hours that will assist them in achieving competence within their chosen career path or qualification. These hours happen after class times and are assigned independently to the modules that you do. These hours are an excellent way of learning on the job and you will reap great rewards from them.
Q: How big are the classes?
A: Our class size is an average of 30 students – sometimes smaller. Lectures can contain more students but when facilitation of learning is taking place, the group size is less with fewer students in the group.
Q: How am I examined or assessed?
A:Students are assessed through different methods according to the criteria that they need to achieve. Assessment is explained in the eta study guide. Tasks can include knowledge tests, assignments, projects and demonstrations.
Q: What work opportunities are available once I have completed my studies?
A: During the courses student are required to do practical hours in the field. In completing this field work, most of our students are offered work. Currently, there are more jobs on offer than there are qualified employees so an eta qualification ensures that you are ready for work once you are qualified.
Q: What accreditation & recognition do your learning programmes have?
A:The eta is registered with Department of Education as a private higher education provider. eta is fully accredited with THETA; the Tourism, Sport and Hospitality Education and Training quality Assuror). Our higher education programmes are also accredited by the CHE (Council for Higher Education). Our further education programmes are accredited by Umalusi.
Q: Do I have to wear a uniform?
A: As part of your first year eta pack you receive your eta clothing to wear on campus and during your field work. This consists of one eta hoody, four tee-shirts, two pairs of shorts, one bag, one cap and one pair of track suit pants.
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Q: What test books do I need to buy?
A: Your learning resources consist of an eta manual, Study guide and a file for filing your work – this is referred to as your Portfolio of Evidence. You buy this pack once you have registered with eta.
Q: How do I know how my studies are going?
A:There are assessment preparation sessions, as well as assessment review sessions with your mentors each Friday. Assessment includes formative and summative assessment and feedback is provided to student following each week on formative assessment and at the end of each term on summative work that has been completed.
A comprehensive Assessment report is provided midyear and end of year and a final transcript of results if given to students at the end of each year.
