Bronze Award
On completed of this award, participants will be able to plan and follow simple walks in the countryside, mainly on paths and tracks.
Syllabus
The learning outcomes of the award are as follows:
• Understand the nature of a map as a two-dimensional plan
• Understand how to use map symbols and scales, on a variety of maps
• Take a 6-figure grid reference for any given position, and also locate such a reference on the map
• Orientate the map with and without a compass
• Use the orientated map to identify land features and indicate direction of travel
• Choose simple navigation strategies and routes
• Use linear features (such as paths and tracks) as handrails in simple navigation exercises
• Estimate distance on both map and ground
• Using a basic understanding of contours, match major landforms like hills and valleys to their map
representation
• Plan a safe, suitable walk
• Relocate using simple techniques on paths and other handrails
• Understand access rights and responsibilities
• Demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues and access legislation
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Countryside Code, and of procedures to be followed in the event of an
emergency
Assessment Guidance Notes
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to navigate using a variety of simple line features in open countryside and/or woodland:
• The assessment route would normally include a number of points on distinct features which require
the navigator to use a variety of line features
• The assessment route would normally have frequent changes in direction to assess map orientation
skills
• The practical assessment will be undertaken over a distance of between 3 and 5km, dependent on
terrain
• Practical assessment will be reinforced by questions to the candidate on the basic skills of
navigation, route planning, selection and safety. This may be done orally or in a written format
• The minimum assessor:candidate assessment ratio is 1:6
• The duration for training and assessment for the Bronze Award is a minimum of 12 hours, to cover all
aspects of the syllabus
Cost
We generally run Bronze Award courses at Dell Farm Outdoor Education Centre. The course includes training and assessment and lasts for two days. The total cost is £100.00 per candidate, including a certificate if successful.
Courses will be running on the following dates in 2010:
• Saturday 30 to Sunday 31 January
• Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 October
The address of the centre used for the course is:
Dell Farm Outdoor Education Centre, Whipsnade, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2LG.
Alternatively, if you have a group of between four and six candidates who would like to participate in this course, please contact us and we will be pleased to discuss available dates and quote you a price to run a course specially for your group. If suitable, this could be at your own venue.