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Description:
If you are looking to develop your skills to work in the outdoors or want to widen your experience base in adventurous activities, then this is the course for you.
Over the intensive 27 week course you will not only have the opportunity to undertake training and assessment under a wide range of National Governing Body (NGB) award schemes, you will also gain a wealth of experience across a range of activities passed on by our highly qualified and professional team of Instructors.
Where is the course?
The course is nomadic so although run by Bicton College we spend very little time there! We have purposefully selected venues in the UK, France and Spain for teaching activities that enhance your learning. We kayak and canoe in the warm waters of the South of France and sail from the south coast of Devon to France and the Channel Islands. Other destinations include North Wales, The Peak District and The Lake District. By using these top class locations it puts you right in the middle of the action, so less time sat in minibuses. Any spare time you have is yours, to practice your skills and broaden your experience in these great locations.
What activities does the course cover?
The main modules that we study are climbing, canoeing, hill walking and kayaking. In addition to these we also cover white water rafting, caving, mountaineering, sea and surf kayaking, first aid, powerboating and sailing. The course will also develop your interpersonal and leadership skills through living in this environment for six months.
Who will be teaching us?
You will be accompanied by a team of specialist and experienced instructors that will deliver this action packed, exciting and educational programme. The staff working the programme are all hand picked, not just for their high ranking qualifications, knowledge and ability in their chosen areas but because of their passion and infectious enthusiasm as top class coaches.
Food and accommodation?
Accommodation ranges from chalets in France, dormitories in North Wales to camping in the Peak District and sleeping in a bunk on a 60ft yacht. All will have access to shower and toilet facilities! The food will either be prepared by yourselves cooking on a rota system for each other or by onsite catering staff.
Qualifications?
The following is a list of awards that you will have the opportunity to take dependent upon your experience at the start of the programme and motivation to gain the requirements throughout the course:
• BCU White Water Raft Guide Level 1 Training
• BCU UKCC Level 1 Paddle Sports Coach (Training and Assessment)
• BCU 3/4 star Canoe, Inland Kayak, Sea, Surf
• BCU White Water Safety and Rescue
• Single Pitch Award (Training and assessment)
• Mountain Leader Award Training
• Cave Leader Level 1 Training
• Power Boat (up to safety boat)
• Sailing L2 and Seamanship Skills
• Food and Hygiene Course
• First Aid course
• Additional qualifications are available, subject to interest
Cost
The course runs from September to March every year. The total cost is £6600 (includes VAT) which includes the following:
• Flights to France and Spain
• Food and accommodation throughout the programme
• Professional instruction throughout the course.
• Use of specialist outdoor equipment from the college.
• Hire of specialist equipment.
• NGB Course fees for training, assessment (not membership fees)
•Transport
What’s not included in the cost
• Any long breaks between modules
• There is a three week teaching practice module (the cost for this is normally covered by the centre)
• Personal essential equipment for the outdoors (please see equipment list)
• NGB membership costs (British Canoe Union, British Mountaineering Council and the British Caving Association)
Participants on this course can apply for a career development loan via the employment services agency or their own banks.
What about me?
• You need to be 18 or over at the start of the programme.
• You should have your new BCU 2 star in paddle sports or proven experience.
• Have some basic experience in climbing and hill walking.
• Have basic camping skills.
• With a course as physically demanding as this it is very important to have a good level of fitness, not fit now? Get training, the days will be long and the activities will require you to be mentally and physically prepared.
What else do I need to know?
Towards the end of the programme there is a work placement opportunity, your tutor will select venues from around the UK’s top centres that are best suited for your development. From this placement you will gain hands on teaching hours which will provide you with opportunity to go for NGB assessments at the end of the programme.
During your weekends off, you have the opportunity to relax and recuperate or better still hit the crags and rivers to gain further experience towards your NGB qualifications.
If the above criteria doesn’t quite fit you for what ever reason, but you are interested in a course in Outdoor Education contact Bicton College as they have programmes to suit all starting in September 2008
If you are interested in the Instructor Training Course and would like more information please contact Mark Quest by email on mxquest@bicton.ac.uk or by phone on 01395 562414. There is a two-day selection event on 7th/8th July 2008 taking place at Bicton College.
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