Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

SISOBWG302A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Apply intermediate bushwalking skills

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SISOBWG302A - Apply intermediate bushwalking skills
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to bushwalk in uncontrolled environments under minimal supervision. This unit focuses on the demonstration of various bushwalking skills through the participation in bushland, arid, alpine, or rainforest walks.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to those who are working as bushwalking guides in uncontrolled environments where there are limited modifications to the natural surface and minimal clearance and signage along the track. This unit may also apply to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites SISONAV302A Apply navigation skills in an intermediate environment
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Plan for a bushwalk.
  • Identify and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the duration of the walk to maintain physiological well being during activity.
  • Identify an appropriate activity location according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Obtain and become familiar with appropriate map for the intended walk.
  • Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activities.
  • Identify possible hazards and changing conditions associated with the activity.
       
Element: Select equipment.
  • Select equipment according to contextual issues and check to ensure that it is in good working condition.
  • Adjust and fit equipment to ensure comfort and safety according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • Ensure pack weight is appropriate to body weight and level of fitness.
  • Select personal clothing and footwear, and identify the design and or construction features that make it appropriate.
       
Element: Apply walking skills.
  • Adopt appropriate posture when lifting and carrying backpack.
  • Approach obstacles and hazards in a safe manner and minimise risks to self and group where possible.
  • Apply ascending and descending techniques on slopes.
  • Maintain an appropriate walking rhythm and pace according to conditions.
  • Follow a route in difficult or trackless areas, demonstrating use of navigation aids.
       
Element: Evaluate the bushwalk.
  • Evaluate relevant aspects of the walk.
  • Identify improvements for future walks.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

applies relevant processes to plan equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the bushwalk

demonstrates bushwalking techniques including ascending and descending techniques on slopes

adapts to problems or issues that may arise during the walk, such as change in weather conditions, and makes appropriate adjustments in response to these contingencies to ensure safety of self and group

evaluates and reflects on own bushwalking performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple bushwalking activities in difficult or trackless areas that reflect local conditions demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information, such as maps and meteorological data, to plan for the bushwalk

a suitable outdoor location with tracks that have limited modifications and indistinct alignment, minimal clearance and signage, and may have terrain and man-made hazards

bushwalking, navigation and safety equipment.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all bushwalking activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of bushwalking skills

observation of dealing with contingencies, such as changing weather conditions

written or verbal self evaluation

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SISOOPS202A Use and maintain a temporary or overnight site.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

literacy skills to:

read and interpret maps

analyse weather and environmental information

planning and organising skills to select an appropriate activity location and equipment

communication skills to:

interact with other participants

follow instructions and procedures

numeracy skills to navigate and follow a route using a map and compass

problem-solving skills to deal with unforeseen circumstances such as changes in weather conditions

survival skills to keep warm and sheltered in the case of extreme environmental conditions and or loss of equipment

minimal impact camping skills to use lightweight, portable equipment

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all bushwalking activities

minimal impact walking codes to ensure protection of environment

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for bushwalking, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

packing and maintenance techniques before, during and after the activity to protect personal and group equipment and ensure prolonged life

pack handling, packing and lifting techniques to prevent and avoid injury

clothing and footwear requirements for outdoor activities and factors affecting appropriate clothing selection, such as layering and protective clothing

principles of nutrition to maintain health during activity

navigation techniques in difficult or trackless areas to determine location, direction and potential hazards

weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their effect on the activity

selection of tie-off points and anchors when using handlines to assist on steep terrain

relevant track signage standards, such as the current Australian Standard, to determine the suitability of the track to skill levels

emergency procedures and potential hazards relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Food and water requirements may include:

menu planning and preparation

range of foods

emergency food and water.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

essential nutrients

individual food requirements and allergies.

Duration of the walk may include:

short walks of up to two hours

day walks

multiple day walks.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

Organisational procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

emergency procedures

equipment use and maintenance

communication protocols

code of ethics.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Changing conditions may include:

weather

equipment failure

injuries

group dynamics.

Equipment may include:

bushwalking equipment

navigation equipment

safety and first aid equipment

overnight equipment.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Obstacles may include:

rivers

logs

rocks

gullies

exposed areas.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment failure.

Ascending techniques may include:

zig-zagging

placing feet down flat with a deliberate step

resting heels on any available projections.

Descending techniques may include:

placing toes against projections to avoid overstriding

avoiding placing feet down heavily

using flat-footed or stiff-heeled technique.

Walking rhythm may include:

maintaining same speed of pace

keeping hands free

allowing natural body swing

avoiding jerky movements or springing.

Difficult or tracklessareas may include:

bushland

arid areas

alpine areas

rainforest

those that align to Class 5 tracks within the Australian Standard for Walking Tracks.

Navigation aids may include:

maps

compass.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the duration of the walk to maintain physiological well being during activity. 
Identify an appropriate activity location according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Obtain and become familiar with appropriate map for the intended walk. 
Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activities. 
Identify possible hazards and changing conditions associated with the activity. 
Select equipment according to contextual issues and check to ensure that it is in good working condition. 
Adjust and fit equipment to ensure comfort and safety according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Ensure pack weight is appropriate to body weight and level of fitness. 
Select personal clothing and footwear, and identify the design and or construction features that make it appropriate. 
Adopt appropriate posture when lifting and carrying backpack. 
Approach obstacles and hazards in a safe manner and minimise risks to self and group where possible. 
Apply ascending and descending techniques on slopes. 
Maintain an appropriate walking rhythm and pace according to conditions. 
Follow a route in difficult or trackless areas, demonstrating use of navigation aids. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of the walk. 
Identify improvements for future walks. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOBWG302A - Apply intermediate bushwalking skills
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

SISOBWG302A - Apply intermediate bushwalking skills

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: