This module will comprise sessions where the following key aspects will be covered: navigation, availability and selection of maps, information on maps, methods of displaying relief, map reading, methods of determining location, navigation strategies for high and low visibility conditions (use of pacing and timing, compasses and compass techniques, GPS). Planning, hazards, risk assessment and emergency procedures. Equipment, personal, leader and group equipment, emergency equipment. Weather, weather systems, mountain weather, weather reports and forecasts. History of Access legislation and access to the land. You should be prepared for long field days on hills or moorland which may involve covering large distances over rough terrain, possibly in poor weather conditions.

Teaching Block One:

10 x 2 hour Workshop sessions including MT Award registration, talks on navigation techniques, risk assessment, weather and access.

1 x 4 hr field training, led by teaching staff.
2 x 6 hr training days, student led [Level 5 and Level 6 students]
1 x 6 hour assessment field day

10 hours revision time for class test and field test.

Teaching Block Two:

3 x 2hr Workshop sessions – Monitor ongoing progress towards Mountain Leader Training targets.

A minimum of 3 (maximum 5) student led 6 hr field days, assessing progression.

The remainder of the 150 hours to be spent achieving appropriate mountain walking experience and conducting independent study.

FIELD WORK PRACTICAL weighted at 50%. A CLASS TEST length 2 HOURS weighted at 50%.

1 x Class test 1.5 hr class test consisting of short answer questions. (50%) [Learning outcomes 1,3, 4, 5, 6]
1 x Field test You will be given two 'legs' to navigate successfully. (50%) [Learning outcomes 2, 3, 7] – final assessment

Additional Assessment Details:

Formative Assessment: peer review feedback on field days. Students will continue to develop skills in the field under the tutelage of Level 5 and 6 students who will provide written feedback.

Specialist maps and equipment available from the Science Centre, Learning Resource Centre

British Mountaineering Council 2000. Safety on Mountains. BMC.

Langmuir, E. 2013 (4thed) Mountaincraft and Leadership. Mountain Leader Training Board/Scottish Mountain Leader Training Board.

Long, S. 2014. Hillwalking, The official handbook of the Mountain Leader and Walking Group Leader schemes. The Mountain Training Trust.

Mountain Training 2015. Mountain Training Mountain Leader Award Handbook. http://www.mountain-training.org/walking/skills-and-awards/mountain-leader

None.

1) Select and use of appropriate maps of varying scales and types, select and use compasses and over navigational aids.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, APPLICATION)

2) Use contours and other methods of depicting relief, relate map to the ground and vice versa in a practical environment, measure distance on the map and estimate distance on the ground to identify features and position.
(PROBLEM SOLVING, APPLICATION)

3) Navigate accurately across country with map alone, understand and use methods for navigating across country in poor visibility and/or in darkness.
(LEARNING, PROBLEM SOLVING, APPLICATION)

4) Demonstrate all the the elements of the risk assessment process to select and plan safe routes.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, PROBLEM SOLVING, APPLICATION, REFLECTION)

5) Select and advise on personal, leader and group equipment required for mountain walks and camps, and the selection and use of communications equipment.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ANALYSIS, COMMUNICATION, APPLICATION)

6) Demonstrate an understanding of weather, sources of reliable weather information, interpretation of forecasts and be able to use this effectively to confirm or modify route selection and level of activity.
(LEARNING, KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, APPLICATION, REFLECTION)

7) Demonstrate a level of experience suitable for attending a Mountain Training approved training course.