FASNZ Inc. Education Programme

The Floral Art Society of New Zealand has an extensive educational programme, which is administered by the FASNZ Education Committee.

The unit system of education provides tuition in a series of six courses. These units are designed to provide comprehensive education for FASNZ members. It is intended that the units provide stimulation and extended education to attain a FASNZ Diploma in Teaching, Judging or Demonstrating.

There is also provision for some units to be studied by correspondence. The FASNZ “Unit Guidelines” explains all details and requirements for study.

A valuable reference book, "Flair" covers all aspects of FASNZ, including floral art definitions, botanical terms, administration and education.

1. Design Unit

The design unit is a most valuable unit of study in Floral Art. This unit includes the fundamentals of design with an in-depth study of the elements and principles of design, staging, styles of design, mechanics and an assignment. Practical design sessions are included..

2. Plant Knowledge Unit

Plant material is the medium of the floral designer. The unit content includes botanical naming, plant identification, design qualities of plant material, propagation, preserving and drying, conditioning plant material, poisonous and noxious properties, conservation and an assignment. The unit is available by correspondence.

3. Stewarding and Scheduling Unit

Exhibiting and competing is an exciting part of floral art. Competition enables competitors to reach and maintain a standard in design. The unit includes show planning, schedule writing with themes and titles, floor plans, staging, responsibilities of convenors and stewards and an assignment. The unit is available by correspondence..

4. Practical Judging Unit

A Judge’s responsibility is to identify and justify qualities in floral design. The unit of study includes qualities of a judge, judging procedure, evaluation and correction, verbal and written assessment, points system, judging by visual assessment, press release and an assignment. Practical sessions are included.

5. Teaching Unit

A strong foundation of knowledge is required to teach floral art. The success of education depends largely on the quality of teaching. The unit of study includes qualities of a teacher, communication and teacher/student relationship, leading a group, demonstration in a class room, evaluation and correction, teaching plans and session structures, visual resources, public relations and an assignment.

6. Demonstrating Unit

Demonstrating is a visual art with emphasis on “Entertainment” OR used as a means of teaching. The unit includes programme planning, presentation, communication with an audience, stage plans and staging, Technology eg sound and light, budgets and an assignment.

Certificate of Practical Design.

For those not wishing to study the theory of design to the level required by the unit system, there is a practical design option leading to a FASNZ Inc “Certificate in Practical Design“. The examination consists of eight practical designs. Full details are available from the Floral Art Society of New Zealand Education Unit Secretary.