Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of identifying and verifying a person’s past learning experiences. It does not matter whether you have obtained the knowledge and competencies from life or work experiences, from formal training or from a combination of these areas. For example:

• Life experiences
• Formal qualifications
• Work experiences

The objective of RPL is to ensure that an individual’s prior learning achieved through formal and informal training, work experience or other life experiences is appropriately recognized. 

Process

With so many different courses available to be previously trained in, it can be difficult to know what could possibly count as prior learning. The process in which we take to apply RPL therefore needs to vary but ultimately what we ensure is that we gather enough evidence to help satisfy our requirements. It helps if the applicant can supply as much evidence up front as they can. This can take many forms. For example:  

• Prior certifications
• Assessment results
• Evidence of repertoire knowledge
• Evidence of prior relevant work experience
• Employer or supervisor references

Valid Courses

When applying for RPL please keep in mind not all of our courses necessarily match up completely with other courses. We often present far more repertoire than other courses and as such you will often still need to complete extra modules to be able to qualify and receive your certification. We will consider all previous courses either fully or partially completed.

• The Teacher Fundamentals course will have no RPL offered. It is recommended students experience the whole course.
• Our Repertoire courses all offer RPL. We offer courses in Mat, Reformer, Chair, Cadillac and Additional Equipment (Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Ped-o-pull, Magic Circle, Tens-o-meters, and Foot Corrector).

RPL Results

A successful RPL application will result in a variety of outcomes. These can be:

• Course fee reduction - we will apply a fee reduction in line with how much RPL we deem appropriate. For example if we deem the application to have covered half of our full course then there would be a 50% reduction in fees. For transparency there are some set costs of our courses (such as the cost of printed materials and certificates) that cannot be reduced.
• Observation, Practice Teaching and Self Mastery Hours - we will apply a reduction in the required number of hours, usually dependent on an applicant's experience. For example a teacher with 20 years experience won't need to complete as many Practice Teaching or Observation hours compared to a newly qualified one.
• Tutorial Attendance - as tutorials are tied to certain repertoire a successful applicant may have the number of tutorials they are required to attend reduced in line with what repertoire they have previously covered. For example if an applicant has provided evidence that they know and understand the Contrology exercises, then there is no need for them to attend the tutorials that cover that repertoire. Of course a student is more than welcome to attend them anyway. 
• Specialized Bridging Course - we will offer a special short course to get the applicant ready to be able to successfully complete our full course. Bridging courses will need to cater to demand and may not always be offered for all applicants.

Applications

Applications should be sent as a .pdf file in the following format:

• Name 
• Email address
• Desired Course
Title of the course(s) you are hoping to enrol in
• Personal Pilates Experience 
Detail your own experience of Pilates
• RPL Evidence 
Detail any and all evidence you believe satisfies recognition of prior learning. Where possible also attach proof such as certification, assessment results or employer referees.

Please send all this information as a .pdf file to [email protected] with the subject title 'The Pilates Hive RPL Application'. All applications should be sent no later than 2 weeks before the commencement of a course intake.

Applicants are free to enquire further information about the RPL process or application outcome at any time by contacting us at [email protected]. We are also happy to arrange meetings either in person in Canberra or via Zoom to discuss options and processes.