Navigation Courses

National Navigation Award Scheme

At Award Solutions, we are keen to encourage people to get out and explore the amazing countryside we have in the British Isle’s. We realise that some people do not have the skills to do this, so have decided to share our knowledge and experience by running navigation courses.

Want to have the ability to plan a walk and to be able to go out and navigate confidently in the countryside?

Both the Bronze and Silver National Navigation Award Scheme courses are delivered over 2 days (non-residential), during this time, our staff will teach you the skills that you require and give you plenty of opportunity to put them into practice. All you need to have is suitable outdoor equipment i.e. boots, waterproofs, rucksack, packed lunch etc and be reasonably fit.

We will provide the instructor plus maps and compasses.

Staff to candidate ratio 1:6. On both courses, minimum number is four candidates.

Bronze NNAS Award

Navigation in the countryside using paths tracks and other linear features, basic map interpretation and compass work is included.

During the course, you will learn the following skills:

• Understand how to use map symbols and different scales of maps.
• Understand how to give a 6-figure grid reference and how to locate one on a map.
• Be able to set a map using a compass and by other means.
• Be able to identify features on the map to the ground and vice versa.
• Use simple navigation strategies to enable you to get from A to B.
• Understand basic land features and how they are shown on a map ie contours.
• Estimate distance on both the map and the ground.
• Plan safe and suitable walks.
• Understand access rights and responsibilities.
• Have a knowledge of the country code and what to do in the case of an emergency.

Assessment details

The practical assessment will be undertaken on the second day with the candidates demonstrating the skills they have learnt during the first day including locating a number of points on distinct features which require the navigator to use a variety of line features. There will also be questions to the candidate on the basic skills of navigation, route planning, selection, and safety.

On successful completion of the course, candidates will be sent a badge and certificate.

Date and time of next course:

TBA.

Venue:

Cost: £110 per person

If you want us to run a bespoke course for group please contact Jean on 07771693007 or email Jean.Riding@awardsolutions.org.uk with your requirements.

Silver NNAS Award

During this 2 day course we will build on the skills acquired at bronze level plus adding the skills required to navigate to features and places some distance from paths and tracks in more open countryside, using accurate compass work and measuring distance.

During the course, you will learn the following skills: (additional to those learnt on the Bronze Award)

• Be able to use different navigation strategies to locate features off paths and tracks and use clear features to check you are on course.
• Be able to use the skills of aiming off and using attack points in a variety of different terrains.
• Demonstrate an understanding of contour features, both large and small, on the map and on the ground.
• Be able to judge distances accurately both on the map and on the ground.
• The use of a compass to take and follow accurate bearings and to check the direction of footpaths tracks and other liner features.
• Use simple relocation strategies when lost.
• Plan a safe walk or route involving Silver award skills and strategies.
• The effects of fatigue and physical discomfort brought on by navigating in demanding countryside and/or extreme weather condition.
• The impact walkers have on the countryside and different ways it can be managed.

You will also require a basic knowledge of First Aid to pass the assessment; we can provide that in one of our first aid courses if required.

Assessment

The practical assessment will be undertaken on the second day with the candidates demonstrating the skills they have learnt, including 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 and to locate a number of distinct contour features. There will also be questions to the candidate on demonstrating their ability to plan a route, and their understanding of the interaction between the land, countryside users, and conservation.

On successful completion of the course, candidates will be sent a badge and certificate.

Date and time of next course

Venue: TBA

Cost: TBA

If you want us to run a bespoke course for group please contact Paul on 07879474199 or email Jean.Riding@awardsolutions.org.uk with your requirements.