National Navigation Award Scheme
Bronze NNAS Award
BRONZE AWARD
On completion 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 |
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Understand the nature of a map as a
two dimensional plan. |
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Understand how to use map symbols
and scales, on a variety of maps. |
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Take a 6 figure grid reference for
any given position and also locate such a
reference on the map. |
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Orientate the map with and without
a compass. |
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Use the orientated map to identify
land features and indicate direction of
travel. |
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Choose simple navigation strategies
and routes. |
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Use linear features (e.g. paths and
tracks) as handrails in simple navigation
exercises. |
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Estimate distance on both map and
ground. |
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Using a basic understanding of
contours, match major landforms like hills and
valleys to their map representation. |
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Plan a safe, suitable walk. |
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Relocate using simple techniques on
paths and other handrails. |
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Understand access rights and
responsibilities. |
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Demonstrate an awareness of local
and national access issues and access
legislation. |
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Demonstrate knowledge of the
Countryside Code, and of procedures to be
followed in the event of an emergency. |
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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. |
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The assessment route would normally
include a number of points on distinct features
which require the navigator to use a variety of
line features. |
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The assessment route would normally
have frequent changes in direction to assess map
orientation skills. |
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The practical assessment will be
undertaken over a distance of 3-5km dependent on
terrain. |
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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. |
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Maximum assessment ratio 1:6. |
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The duration for training and
assessment at Bronze level is a minimum of 10
hours, to cover all aspects of the syllabus. |
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| This course and assessment can be run over 1 evening and 2 days
and can be based in your area. |
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Silver NNAS Award
SILVER AWARD
On completion of this award participants will be able to
plan and follow walks in the countryside away from paths and
tracks.
Syllabus - The learning outcomes: (additional to those of
the Bronze Award) |
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Devise a strategy for a
navigational stage, to break it down into
'coarse' and 'fine' navigation and to use clear
features en route to check that they are 'on
course'. |
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Understand and apply the following
components of a navigational strategy 'aiming
off', 'attack points', 'collecting features',
simplifying navigation, and apply them in
varying terrain. |
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Demonstrate an understanding of
contour features, both large and small, on the
map and on the ground. |
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Demonstrate an understanding of the
navigation physical and factors affecting route
choice. |
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Judge distance accurately on the
map and on the ground. |
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Plan a safe walk or route involving
Silver award skills and strategies. |
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Employ simple relocation strategies
when lost. |
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Use a compass to follow accurate
bearings and to check the direction of footpaths
or other linear features on both map and
ground. |
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Demonstrate knowledge of the
effects of fatigue and physical discomfort
brought on by navigating in demanding
countryside and/or extreme weather condition.
Knowledge of basic first aid is also expected. |
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Demonstrate knowledge and
application of the Countryside Code and current
access legislation as for the Bronze level
together with an appreciation of basic
environmental factors in mixing 'man with
nature' (e.g. footpath erosion and methods of
dealing with it), and responsibilities towards
other countryside interests like farming,
forestry and conservation. |
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Assessment Guidance Notes:
The candidates will be assessed on their ability to plan an
appropriate route and navigate using a variety of navigation
strategies such as aiming off, attack points, collecting features,
simplifying navigational legs and choosing appropriate routes. |
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The assessment route would normally
include a number of distinct contour features
which require the navigator to use a wide range
of navigational strategies. |
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The assessment route would normally
use a variety of countryside to require choice
of route, having regard to the effect of
terrain, etc. |
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The practical assessment will be
undertaken over a distance of 5 - 8km. |
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Practical assessment will be
supplemented by questions to the candidate.
Candidates will demonstrate their ability to
plan a route, and their understanding of the
interaction between the land, countryside users
and conservation. This can be done orally or in
a written format. |
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Maximum assessment ratio 1:6. |
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The duration of training and
assessment of the Silver award will be a minimum
of 12 hours, and cover all aspects of the
syllabus. |
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| This course could operate from the Sperrins and the Glens. Course
duration 2 evenings and 2 days. |