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

SISOBWG507A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Apply advanced bushwalking skills in alpine areas

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SISOBWG507A - Apply advanced bushwalking skills in alpine areas
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to bushwalk in alpine areas and conditions, with no supervision on trips greater than two day's duration. This unit focuses on the demonstration of advanced bushwalking techniques in extreme environmental conditions.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to those working as specialist bushwalking guides in more extreme and challenging conditions, such as alpine areas. 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 Nil
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 a bushwalk.
  • Identify and plan food and water requirements suitable for alpine areas and conditions according to principles of nutrition and the duration of the walk.
  • Identify an appropriate location according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activities.
  • Obtain and become familiar with detailed maps for the intended walk.
  • Identify potential hazards and changing conditions associated with the activity.
  • Identify the signs, symptoms, prevention and treatment of possible risks.
       
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.
  • Select personal clothing and footwear according to appropriate design and or construction features for the conditions.
       
Element: Apply advanced bushwalking skills.
  • Negotiate obstacles and hazards and minimise risks to self and group where possible.
  • Apply ascending techniques and descending techniques on slopes.
  • Maintain an appropriate walking rhythm and pace according to conditions.
  • Apply appropriate snow walking techniques to negotiate snow covered terrain.
  • Select a campsite appropriate to the team members and conditions according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Pitch tents according to site and anticipated weather.
  • Repair and or improvise items of essential equipment in the case of breakage or loss.
       
Element: Navigate in an alpine environment.
  • Apply information contained on maps to plan a suitable route or course.
  • Obtain additional information to assist in navigation from the map.
  • Calculate grid and magnetic bearings using a map and compass.
  • Follow a route in alpine areas and conditions, demonstrating use of navigation aids.
  • Apply and demonstrate techniques for estimating distance travelled.
  • Maintain a compass course while bypassing an obstacle.
       
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 advanced bushwalking techniques and safety practices, and adapts to contingencies that may arise during the walk

takes precautions to maintain physical well being of self and group during an alpine bushwalk, and identifies possible signs, symptoms and treatments of conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite

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 a bushwalking activity in alpine areas and conditions that is of a minimum three day duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

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

a suitable outdoor location with alpine areas and conditions that are unmodified so that track alignment is indistinct with no clearance or signage. The track will not be managed for public risk and the onset of extreme environmental conditions may have a significant adverse impact upon the bushwalk

bushwalking, snow, navigation, river crossing 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:

observation of the planning and review process

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

observation of demonstrating advanced bushwalking skills, such as using appropriate snow walking techniques and aids

observation of dealing with contingencies, such as repairing and or improvising items of essential equipment in the case of breakage or loss

review of plan for the bushwalk

written and 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:

SISOOPS303A Interpret weather conditions in the field

SISOBWG404A Apply river crossing skills.


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

follow instructions and procedures

analyse weather and environmental information

planning and organising skills to allocate and select food, water, clothing and equipment for bushwalks greater than two day's duration in alpine conditions

communication skills to interact with other participants to maintain a positive and safe environment while on the walk

numeracy skills to navigate and calculate grid and magnetic bearings and distances using a map and compass in alpine areas and conditions

problem-solving skills to:

assess and negotiate hazards and changing circumstances

repair or improvise items of essential equipment in the case of breakage or loss

survival skills to enable self protection in the case of extreme environmental conditions

minimal impact camping skills using 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 camping and 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 injury

pack hauling techniques to enable vertical navigation of hazards

clothing and footwear requirements for alpine environments and factors affecting appropriate selection, such as layering and protective clothing

principles of nutrition to maintain health during activity

sources of food and water in emergency situations to maintain health for prolonged periods

navigation in a broad range of alpine areas and conditions to determine location, direction and potential hazards with no supervision and in a broad range of visibility circumstances

weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity including life threatening conditions

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

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.

Alpine areas and conditions may include:

unmodified natural surfaces

no clearance along the track

unsigned

steep sections of unmodified surfaces

track not managed for public risk

risk of onset of extreme environmental conditions, such as poor visibility due to frost and snow

those that align to Class 6 tracks within the Australian Standard for Walking Tracks.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

essential nutrients

individual food requirements and allergies.

Duration of the walk may include:

three days

four days

five days

more than five days.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and 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.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment failure.

Equipment may include:

bushwalking equipment

snow equipment

navigation equipment

river crossing equipment

safety and first aid equipment

camping 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.

Ascending techniques may include:

zig-zagging

placing feet down flat with a deliberate step

resting heels on any available projections

using walking aids and ropes as handlines.

Descending techniques may include:

placing toes against projections to avoid overstriding

avoiding placing feet down heavily

using flat- footed or stiff- heeled technique

using walking aids and ropes as handlines.

Walking rhythm may include:

maintaining same speed of pace

keeping hands free

allowing natural body swing

avoiding jerky movements or springing

walking in broken trail of snow to conserve energy.

Appropriate snow walking techniques may include:

edging

pigeonholing

plunge steps.

Additional information may include:

altitude gain or loss

distance

gradient

estimated travelling time.

Navigation aids may include:

maps

compass.

Techniques for estimating distance may include:

timing

pacing

observing surroundings.

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 suitable for alpine areas and conditions according to principles of nutrition and the duration of the walk. 
Identify an appropriate location according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activities. 
Obtain and become familiar with detailed maps for the intended walk. 
Identify potential hazards and changing conditions associated with the activity. 
Identify the signs, symptoms, prevention and treatment of possible risks. 
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. 
Select personal clothing and footwear according to appropriate design and or construction features for the conditions. 
Negotiate obstacles and hazards and minimise risks to self and group where possible. 
Apply ascending techniques and descending techniques on slopes. 
Maintain an appropriate walking rhythm and pace according to conditions. 
Apply appropriate snow walking techniques to negotiate snow covered terrain. 
Select a campsite appropriate to the team members and conditions according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Pitch tents according to site and anticipated weather. 
Repair and or improvise items of essential equipment in the case of breakage or loss. 
Apply information contained on maps to plan a suitable route or course. 
Obtain additional information to assist in navigation from the map. 
Calculate grid and magnetic bearings using a map and compass. 
Follow a route in alpine areas and conditions, demonstrating use of navigation aids. 
Apply and demonstrate techniques for estimating distance travelled. 
Maintain a compass course while bypassing an obstacle. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of the walk. 
Identify improvements for future walks. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOBWG507A - Apply advanced bushwalking skills in alpine areas
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

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Assessment Record Sheet

SISOBWG507A - Apply advanced bushwalking skills in alpine areas

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

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