Course Content

The course has been designed to maximise learning. Skill acquisition is a complex area and some people will develop at a more rapid rate than others. The individualistic approach of the course allows learners to progress at their own pace, supported by the coaches to try to ensure that learning opportunities are as enriched and specific as possible.

The course will help candidates to work towards gaining National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications, but it is not possible to guarantee success in assessment. Individual targets will be set on point of entry that are realistic for each candidate given the time available. Skills will be taught up to and beyond the standards required by NGB assessments. Delegates who take the responsibility to use their free time, as well as tutor led time, to practice and consolidate their skills will have the greatest chance of success at assesment.

Watersports

 

  • Paddlesports

All candidates will work towards the BCU Personal Performance tests up to a 4 Star Level where appropriate. Students will be exposed to a variety of differing craft and environments. The centre is a test centre for Mega Performance Kayaks allowing students the opportunity to access the very latest in surf specific kayak design. The local environment offers white water, sea and surf paddling, and the centre is equipped with its own heated swimming pool, ideal for perfecting skills during the winter months. All students should be able to a achieve a BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach award during the course of the programme, with the possibility of then progressing on to a Level 2 Training coach education programme.

  • Lifeguarding

One week towards the end of the programme is devoted to Lifeguard and First aid training and assessment

HSE First Aid at work   -   RLSS National Pool Lifeguard   -   RLSS National Beach Lifeguard

All qualifications should be achievable by all candidates. At the start of the programme, and at regular intervals as needed, time is allocated to help people to prepare with personal action plans to develop their swimming abilities to have the best chance to achieve the beach lifeguard timed swim

  • Powerboating

Students will attend an RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course. This two day course gives you all the necessary skills to safely helm a powerboat in daylight conditions. It may also be possible to achieve an International Certificate of Competence for those who wish to drive a powerboat overseas.

  • Surfing

This section of the programme will enable students to develop their personal surfing ability to the standard required for teaching board surfing at  multi activity centres. This is the starting point for the NGB qualifications to teach at many surfing schools if required.

  • Industrial Application

Students will have the opportunity to study the industrial application of the technical skills learnt during the programme. This will include the use of tutoring and "soft" skills and the use of outdoor programmes as a vehicle to develop learning, with a variety of client groups of differing ages and backgrounds.

 

Landsports

  

 

  • Climbing 

Skern Lodge provides an ideal base to develop personal climbing skills as well as gain experience of working with groups of all ages, with an excellent range of crags nearby, and trips further afield to areas such as the Peak District, Portland and North Wales built into the programme. 

Depending on previous experience candidates will be able to work towards gaining the Climbing Wall Award (CWA) and Single Pitch Award (SPA) qualifications.

  • Hillwalking 

With easy access to Exmoor and Dartmoor candidates will have plenty of opportunity to build up skills such as navigation and campcraft, as well as looking after groups in the hills.The Brecon Beacons and North Wales provide the venues for learning skills for steep ground and scrambling. Much time will be dedicated to building up the logbook experience required for achieving the Mountain Leader Award (ML) qualifications and experienced candidates can expect to be well on the way to gaining these qualifications by the end of the course. 

  • Mountain Biking

Given the current rapid growth in Cycling participation in the UK and Europe, the demand for Cycling coaches is rapidly growing. During the mountain bike week we'll look at your current skill level, and develop your control of a bike over some of the most challenging terrain in the South West. The programme culminates in a MIAS Mountain Bike Instructors award.

 

  • Other Activites

As a busy outdoor centre providing activities for a wide range of groups, candidates will also get hands-on experience of high-ropes, zip-wires, team building, artificial caving networks, and others, and gain extra skills which will boost your future employment prospects.