The Adventure Centre: Intensive Skills Course Prospectus

The Intensive Skills Courseoutdoor instructor training

prospectus 2013/14

The Adventure Centre, Parkwood Road, Tavistock, Devon PL19 0HY Email: [email protected]


Thank you for your enquiry about the Intensive Skills Course.

Whether you want to become an instructor, improve your coaching skills or gain additional outdoor qualifications, this intensive 19 week course will help you achieve your ambitions.

In addition to benefiting from specialist tuition delivered by our full time team of highly qualified instructors, you will have the opportunity to develop your coaching and group leadership skills with a variety of real clients at The Adventure Centre. This invaluable first-hand experience will help you to go on and become a top class instructor and coach.

The enclosed information outlines the content of the Outdoor Skills Course along with a description of The Adventure Centre and some of the activities we provide. The 2013 course dates are from 9th September 2013 to 31st January 2014. (There will be a 2 week break over Christmas.)

The cost of the course is £4,900 (Non Residential). This includes all training, use of the equipment and facilities at the Centre and transport on the programme. It also includes the fees associated with the British Canoe Union (BCU) star tests and coaching qualifications. It does not include your membership of the BCU and British Mountaineering Council (BMC) or your registration with the Mountain Leader Training Board (MLTB). There is an option for participants to be accommodated on the beautiful Kelly College campus. The fee for this is £90 per week which full board and lodging for the duration of the course.

The course is registered through the Learning Skills Council and candidates can obtain a Career Development Loan. You can borrow between £300 and £8000. More information is available at www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/cdl/

To take your application further, please complete the form in the information pack. This will enable us to find out a little more about you and your course needs. We will then call you to discuss your application before a firm booking is made on the programme. Please note that, as your practical experience will include working with young people, you will need to undergo a CRB check as part of the course.

Should you need any additional information please do not hesitate to contact me, Paul Birchell, at The Adventure Centre. We look forward to discussing your application further and assisting you in gaining that important first foothold in the Outdoor Education industry.

Yours faithfully,

Paul BirchellCentre Manager

The course is based at The Adventure Centre in Tavistock, Devon. This provides the ideal location to run an instructor training course, with Dartmoor National Park a five minute drive away and the Class II-III waters of the River Tavy on our doorstep. This amazing location, teamed with local knowledge, means we can use the best venues to suit your needs.

The Centre offers a fully catered option with all the accommodation on-site at the Centre. This will allow you to make full use of the on-site facilities which include an indoor climbing wall and heated indoor swimming pool.

We have extensive equipment within in our stores, including a fleet of top of the range white water specification kayaks with several different brands, sizes and shapes to cater for everyone. These boats, together with our comprehensive climbing racks, harnesses, helmets and camping gear, are all available for you to use in your own time. We believe this enables you to get maximum practice time in and make the most of your time at The Adventure Centre. We are also aware that people learn at different speeds and so being able to spend extra time brushing up on skills can be invaluable.

The instructors training you on the course are a permanent staff team working full time at the Centre; this enables us to maintain high standards of instruction. Our team also offer over 10 years of experience working on instructor training programmes which has acquired us an enviable reputation for the quality of our courses.

The instructors are dedicated experienced professionals with some of the highest level UK qualifications. Qualifications up to Mountain Instructor Award (MIA) standard, which is the highest level of rock climbing qualification in the UK; it allows them to instruct every aspect of rock climbing including; lead climbing (pre-requisite for Single Pitch Award training), multi-pitch climbing and sea cliff climbing.

We have Sea kayak, Canoe and White water kayak coaches trained up to Level 5 Coach standard, which is the highest UK paddlesport coaching qualification. All this experience and our low student to instructor ratios help to maximise your learning.

We also offer regular one to one sessions with the instructors, giving you the opportunity for individual feedback and the chance to discuss course progress, career options or any other issues you may wish. Weekly lectures from the staff team will be delivered to you on subjects such as the weather, child protection and risk assessments, in order to give you a broader knowledge of the industry. We will also provide dedicated ‘job hunting’ sessions where staff help students with CV’s, applications and interview preparation.


Mountain Leadership...With Dartmoor National Park only a stone’s throw from The Adventure Centre, it provides an ideal base for navigation and camping. The beautiful and peculiar tors, rivers and ancient features are great to practice navigation techniques before heading up into the mountains. In order to provide you with relevant experience for your log books we spend time in the mountains of Snowdonia, in North Wales.

Here you will gorge walk and scramble some of Britain’s top routes, as well as learn about the diverse environment you are being trained in. With the ML syllabus covering a very broad range of topics we hope to teach everything from how to put a tent up efficiently, to safely managing a group on steep rocky terrain. In order to get this all round mountain leadership experience you will also participate in a number of overnight expeditions on Dartmoor and in Snowdonia.

Rock Climbing...The tors and crags surrounding Dartmoor offer the perfect place to introduce you to rock climbing. We also have an onsite indoor climbing wall ideal for introducing the basics, escaping the bad weather or just practicing your skills. After getting to grips with the basic knots and climbing techniques, the course progresses steadily through more advanced rope work. Climbing is an activity which allows for people of different climbing abilities or people with different rates of skill acquisition to work together easily.

In addition to the climbing on Dartmoor we try to give you as much of a varied experience as possible, taking you on two climbing

trips during the course. The ‘Golden’ granite of West Cornwall offers spectacular sea cliff climbing with long routes and in contrast to this the dark gritstone edges of the Peak district offer miles of rock, perfect for refining your skills. Plenty of routes to lead climb really help ‘bed in’ that technical knowledge whilst enjoying stunning views across Derbyshire. With all this experience you will then be ready for your SPA training course, learning about rock climbing with groups in the outdoors.

In-house training A thriving residential centre with a very busy school season during the spring/summer, we have many on-site activities based at the centre which we utilise on additional training days. Giving you the opportuity to get in house training which will enable you to work with the type of groups you will go on to teach. Activities include; high ropes and other high elements, archery, raft building, initiative tasks, and orienteering.


We believe the most important thing about being an instructor is not about how hard you climb or what grade you paddle, but how you interact with a group. This is why we dedicate time throughout the course for you to try out your newly acquired skills with actual groups. These sessions provide you with the chance to actually work in the industry you have been training for, under close guidance from our team of instructors. The sessions range from kayaking at the local lake to Ten Tors training expeditions up on the moor and all sessions will be reviewed with your instructors giving one to one feedback, enabling you to perform better each time.

The sessions count towards Logbook experience in your National Governing Body Awards and means your CV will contain real and relevant work experience making you more attractive to potential employers.Training and induction into our on-site high elements, tasks and archery gives you a broader range of work with groups and will also go on your CV and count towards further SPA experience.

As said before our course is not just about the ‘hard skills’ of climbing and kayaking. We want you to leave us with the best experience possible and the best tools for the job. This is why we dedicate time to develop facilitation and group-work skills, even visiting other centres to show you the different ways things can be done.

Below is a summary of the activities you will be trained in, the qualifications you will be working towards and information on what the qualifications will mean for you.

Paddlesport...We are very lucky to be surrounded by excellent venues in the South West and we make full use of these for our canoe and kayak training. The rivers, lakes and estuaries are great for introducing the basics of paddlesport and once these basic skills have been mastered there will be opportunities to progress on to white water and the open sea, as well as overnight canoe expeditions.

After training for your BCU 2 Star Award in both canoe and kayak, you will continue on to a BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach course. From here you will then need to choose one discipline to progress your skills further, aiming to achieve your 3 Star Award needed for BCU/UKCC Level 2 Coach training. You will also take part in the Foundation Safety and Rescue training, which will give you all the basics for looking after yourself and others on the water. Later in the course the White Water Safety and Rescue course will equip you to manage on moving water.


Group Experience...A unique part of our course is the ability to practice your newly acquired coaching skills on client groups from the local area. There will be opportunities for you to run sessions in all the activities, under guidance from our instructors who will provide feedback to ensure you maximise the learning from the experience. This invaluable opportunity allows you to develop the ‘soft skills’ that will help you to become an excellent instructor.

First Aid Training...During the course you will participate in a 16 hour First Aid Course which is specifically designed for those working in the outdoors. The course is the only outdoor first aid qualification that is externally regulated by national qualification regulators (SQA, Ofqual and HSE) and meets the standards to appear on The National Qualifications Register. A 16 hour first aid course is the minimum requirement for the national governing body awards and this qualification is valid for 3 years from date of issue.


What the qualifications will mean to you...The National Governing Body (NGB) awards that we offer are the standard awards that are looked for by Outdoor Centre’s and will place you in good stead for an Instructor position at an outdoor centre. Following these courses you will need a period of consolidation and time spent with groups gaining more varied experiences before finally going for your assessments. During the instructor training course although we will be working towards the NGB’s, we aim to train you to a higher standard ensuring you are more than competent in each discipline.

SPA Training – This will give you the skills and judgement required to assist with running rock climbing/abseiling sessions at a climbing wall/crag. After a period of consolidation and group experience you can progress to the assessment, which allows you to supervise groups alone.ML Training – Again this gives you the necessary competence to assist with the leading of groups in remote hill and moorland locations. Once enough experience is gained, you can progress to the assessment which allows you to supervise in summer conditions in remote moorland and mountain locations.BCU Star awards – These are personal performance awards and are required for you to progress onto the BCU/UKCC Level 1 and 2 coach courses. On the course you will aim to achieve 2 star in Canoe and Kayak and a 3 star in one of these disciplines.Foundation Safety and Rescue training- This course is a pre-requisite of the BCU coaching courses and trains you to assist and rescue in a flat water environment.White Water Safety and Rescue – This is a more advanced rescue award than the FSRT and will be important as you progress your paddling skills on to moving water. This is not a pre-requisite for the coaching courses but extra training to give you more confidence in your own paddling during and after the course.BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach – This is an introduction to coaching. It gives you a broad introduction to the coaching process and different learning styles which enables you to introduce people to the sport and develop their skills. This award allows you to work under supervision or alone in site specific venues.BCU/UKCC Level 2 Coach – This training course takes you to the next level in your coaching. It will give you the tools necessary to develop people’s skills further and progress them over a longer period of time. It also allows you to work un-supervised in appropriate venues.ITC Level 2 Certificate in Outdoor First Aid – This is a 16 hour first aid course which is the minimum requirement for many of the NGB Awards. This is a highly practical and interactive course with scenarios designed with the outdoors in mind. It will prepare you to deal with first aid in the outdoors and takes account of the environment and weather that you may be in.


We are proud of our course, and of the standard the students achieve when they leave us. Here are some examples of students who completed the course and what they have gone on to achieve since finishing the course.

Matt Edge started working for Rock UK in one of their Centres in Kent. Starting as an Instructor Matt was soon running sessions on his own and also helping to train some of the new staff coming into the centre. Matt’s hard working attitude soon earned him a promotion to Senior Instructor. This saw Matt managing the Instructor team on a daily basis and implementing a training programme to ensure the team were being trained to a high standard. Matt continued to progress his own development as well despite living quite far from any rock, mountains or white water. His dedication to his own development saw him gaining his SPA assessment, BCU Level 2 Canoe and Kayak Coach Awards, GNAS

(Archery Instructor), Pool lifeguard qualification, Pool lifeguard trainer/assessor status, 4 Star Canoe and Kayak training and his White water safety and rescue training. Matt then earned another promotion to development manager. He now manages 15 staff and is responsible for all the on and off site activities, as well as closely working with the centre director in the running of the centre. Matt is still pursuing his own development and soon hopes to achieve his BCU level 3 Canoe and Kayak coach awards and his ML assessment.

In Matt’s words....... “The Intensive Skills Course was a great introduction to the outdoors and gave me the opportunity to be influenced by some very passionate instructors/trainers. This course will inspire you to get out there and do it but you’ll still need to motivate yourself once you leave.”

Jack Ball went on to work as an Instructor at Carlingford Adventure Centre in Ireland for 2 years, with a wide variety of clients, from primary school aged children to corporate clients and special needs groups, he was provided with valuable group experience. He then decided to move a little closer to home with a job at his local education authority centre in Staffordshire. As Jack had gained valuable group experience in Ireland when he joined this new centre they were keen to help Jack progress with his qualifications. He achieved his SPA assessment and completed the new BCU/UKCC level 2 canoe and Kayak coach training.

In Jack’s words...... “The Intensive Skills Course was great, but if I can pass on anything it will be not to slow down after the course. Although I gained valuable group experience following the course, I didn’t focus on continuing my own development. That has now changed and I’m working towards my assessments and looking forward to doing new things and passing on my experience.”


Accommodation...The accommodation provided is all on-site within the beautiful Kelly College grounds. The buildings are warm and comfortable with good showers, recreation rooms, laundry and drying facilities. Within the grounds there is an indoor heated swimming pool, indoor climbing wall, tennis and squash courts, all of which are available for you to use. There is also WIFI on site. There are two main accommodation blocks at the Centre, Parkwood House and Fin Lodge.

Parkwood House provides twin and single rooms, all of which are made up with full duvet sets and bedding prior to your arrival. The rooms are well furnished and have ample storage for your belongings. The building contains three bathrooms and seven showers as well as a washing machine and tumble dryer.

Vixen Tor is the lounge room in this building, equipped with tea/coffee making facilities, a fridge, television and DVD player, perfect for rest and relaxation after a busy day.

Entrance to all the accommodation buildings on site is controlled by numeric security locks and they have integral fire alarm systems.

Fin Lodge is a traditional alpine style log cabin. It also provides both twin and single rooms with a downstairs shower room and upstairs bathroom. There is a comfortable lounge area for clients to use with a TV, DVD Player, Stereo and Tea and Coffee making facilities. It is also equipped with a fridge and basic crockery. Outside there is a full decked area with picnic table.

Nuns Cross Farm A unique experience and one not to be missed. The facilities are basic, in line with a camping barn.

Foggintor is one of our briefing rooms which also has a kitchen attached. In the kitchen there is an oven, microwave and fridge, as well as additional laundry and drying facilities. Foggintor also has two computers available for your use and a WIFI access point.

Accommodation at the centre is offered at an additional cost of £90.00 per week. This includes breakfast, packed lunch and dinner, 7 days a week.


BOOKING TERMS...1. ‘The Adventure Centre’ is a trading name of ‘Kelly Enterprises Ltd’.

2. Booking Forms establish the contract between the candidate and Kelly Enterprises Ltd.

3. Courses are only considered confirmed once the deposit payment has been received into our bank.

4. A deposit of 25% of the payment is due prior to course commencement.

5. Cancellation Charges:The candidate must give notice of cancellation in writing. The cancellation date will be taken from the GPO postmark relating to the cancellation letter and the following cancellation terms will apply.

Once your application for the course and deposit have been accepted, any cancellation before the course will result in loss of deposit. Once the course has started full fees are payable.

0-7 working days 100% payable 31-60 working days 25% payable 8-14 working days 75 % payable 61 days or more Loss of deposit 15-30 working days 50% payable

6. The above cancellation charges apply to the individual.

7. Should Kelly Enterprises cancel any course prior to commencement due to unforeseen circumstances a full refund will be given without further obligation.

8. It is strongly advised that individuals take out adequate insurance cover to protect against cancellation.

9. Kelly Enterprises carries full Public Liability Insurance, details of which can be provided upon request.

10. Kelly Enterprises cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal property or personal injury howsoever caused. It is strongly recommended that individuals take out adequate insurance cover to protect against such cases.

11. Any person leaving a course of their own choice or those required to leave by the Centre Manager for reasons of safety will not be entitled to a refund.

12. Every effort will be made to follow the agreed programme. However, our courses are designed to be flexible to meet the needs of the group/individuals as they arise and such changes will be discussed with all. Changes may also be necessary for reasons out of our control where we will endeavour to find suitable alternative activities and venues.


INTENSIVE SKILLS COURSE APPLICATION FORMPLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM IN BLACK PRINT

(CV’s will not be accepted without completed application form)

Start: Sept. 9th 2013 End: Jan. 31st 2014 (Christmas break from Dec. 20th to Jan. 6th)

Fee: £4,900

residential o non-residential o (Tick as appropriate)

PERSONAL DETAILSName ........................ Date of Birth ..................

Address ............................................. ............................................. ............................................. .............................................

Post Code ..................

Telephone No. .................. (daytime)Telephone No. .................. (evening)

E-Mail Address .............................................

Marital Status ......................Next of Kin ........................ Contact Number ................

Dietary Requirements/ Allergies:

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONSSCHOOL/COLLEGE DATES: QUALIFICATION/UNIVERSITY: (including grades):


please attach a current photo

applications cannot be processed without a photo

CURRENT/PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT HISTORY...(continue on separate sheet if necessary)

EMPLOYER: POST & DUTIES: FROM: / TO: (month/year)

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS...(Give details of any other relevant qualifications or records of achievement (e.g. courses attended), certificates attained, including membership and status of relevant Professional or Technical Association certificate number, date of issue & issuing authority)

COURSES ATTENDED / SKILLS ACQUIRED...(Please summarise any other skills that you have and/or training that you have received that may be relevant to the course)


GENERAL INFORMATION...Feel free to include any other information which you would wish to be taken into consideration


MEDICAL DETAILS...Have you been absent from work during the past three years as a result of illness other than minor infections? (If yes, please give details on a separate sheet)

YES o NO o

Do you have a medical condition that may prevent you from participating fully on the course? (If yes, please give details on a separate sheet)

YES o NO o

Do you have any disabilities that may affect your application? (If yes, please describe disabilities on a separate sheet and include;(a) any reasonable adjustments which you feel should be made to the recruitment process to assist in your application for a position on the course.)

YES o NO o

(b) any reasonable adjustments which you feel should be made to the course itself which would enable you to fully participate?

CONVICTIONS...Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence?If yes, you are invited to give details on a separate sheet(Declaration subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act)

YES o NO o

The Adventure Centre is committed to safeguarding children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and students to share this commitment.

REFEREES...Please give us the names and addresses of two independent referees and their position.

1) 2)

Where did you hear about the course?

...................................................................

DECLARATION...I certify that the information given on this form is, to the best of my knowledge, true and complete and agree that it should form part of the basis of my engagement. Any false statement may be sufficient cause for rejection or dismissal from the course without notice.

..................................... .....................Signature Date


Documents

The Adventure Centre: Intensive Skills Course Prospectus