National Navigation Award SchemeThe levels of the Award
All NNAS courses include advice and information about relevant safety and access issues when walking in the countryside. In addition, an understanding of relevant conservation and environmental issues and awareness of our impacts all form part of each course.
Training and Assessment courses use Harvey Maps of 1:25,000 or 1:40,000 scale, Ordnance Survey Maps of 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 scale or orienteering maps of 1:10,000 or 1:15,000 scale.
Overview
Bronze NNAS Award- navigation in the countryside using paths tracks and other linear features, basic map interpretation and compass work is included.
Silver NNAS Award- navigation in the countryside using skills acquired at bronze level and adding skills required to navigate to features and places some distance from paths and tracks, accurate compass work is required and an ability to use appropriate navigational techniques to go across country in some cases, e.g. choosing an appropriate attack point.
Learning Outcomes Bronze Award
- Understand the nature of a map as a two dimensional plan.
- Understand how to use map symbols and scales on a variety of maps.
- Take a 6 figure grid reference for any given position and also locate such a reference on the map.
- Orientate a map without a compass.
- Use the orientated map to identify land features and indicate direction of travel.
- Choose simple navigation strategies and routes.
- Use linear features (e.g.paths and tracks) as handrails in simple navigation exercises.
- Estimate distance on both map and ground.
- Using a basic understanding of contours, match major landforms like hills and valleys to their map representation.
- Plan a safe suitable walk.
- Relocate using simple techniques on paths and other hand rails.
- Understand access rights and responsibilities.
- Demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues and access legislation.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Countryside Code, and of procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.
Learning Outcomes Silver Award (additional to those of the bronze)
- 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'.
- Understand and apply the following components of navigational strategy: aiming off; attach points; collecting features; simplifying navigation and applying them in varying terrain.
- Demonstrate an understanding of contour features, both large and small on the map and on the ground.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the navigation physical and factors affecting route choice.
- Judge distance accurately on the map and on the ground.
- Plan a safe walk or route involving Silver Award skills and strategies.
- Employ simple relocation strategies when lost.
- Use a compass to follow accurate bearings and to check the direction of footpaths or other linear features on both map and ground.
- 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.
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of the Countryside Code and current access legislation as for 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 responsibility towards other countryside interests like farming, forestry and conservation.
Kit List
You will be required to provide your own personal day walking and camping equipment for the course. A detailed kit list will be included in the joining instructions.
Dates and Prices
TBC
The Price Includes
- All group equipment.
- All tutoring and administration.
- Light Refreshments during indoor sessions i.e. tea and coffee.
- Training and Assessment.
The Price Does Not Include
- Personal Equipment.
- Reference books
- Food
Venue
Training and assessment for Bronze will take place in the Chiltern's an Area of Outstanding National Beauty. Silver location tbc.
Pre Course Requirements
- Have a genuine interest in navigation and the countryside environment.
Important Information
During the course you will be required to spend prolonged periods of time outdoors. You will also be required to carry day sack and operate in open terrain in potentially adverse conditions. Candidates should ensure they are well prepared for the course.
If you would like further information regarding this or any other aspect of the course please do not hesitate to contact us.
