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

SISOBWG510A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Guide bushwalks in an uncontrolled environment

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SISOBWG510A - Guide bushwalks in an uncontrolled environment
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to guide or lead participants on day and or overnight bushwalks. This unit focuses on the application of planning skills to make logistical arrangements for a bushwalking trip in unmodified landscapes and lead the walk safely according to an activity plan.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to those working as bushwalking guides who are responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating bushwalking trips conducted in a range of outdoor environments and locations, such as landscapes where there are no modifications to the natural surface, track alignment is indistinct with no clearance or signage along the track and the track is not managed for public risk.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 bushwalking activity.
  • Conduct relevant assessments to determine the condition of participants in consultation with support personnel.
  • Select an activity site or location which meets activity objectives and is suitable for participants according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Select appropriate maps and plan the route for the walk, taking into account environmental impact factors.
  • Identify hazards associated with the activity and apply risk minimisation procedures to ensure personal safety of participants.
  • Develop an activity plan for the walk to meet the identified needs, abilities and risk factors of participants, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Prepare a Navigation Data Sheet for the proposed walk.
  • Access relevantsources to obtain and interpret weather and environmental information for the walk.
  • Inform appropriate authorities before the walk.
       
Element: Select equipment for the activity.
  • Identify and source equipment for the activity.
  • Assess equipment for safety and suitability for the walk and complete documentation.
  • Prepare equipment for transportation to walk location according to organisational policies and procedures.
       
Element: Make logistical arrangements.
  • Determine food and water requirements for participants according to walking requirements.
  • Identify and plan for emergency food and water requirements.
  • Identify the location of water sources accessible during the walk and determine the need for water purification.
  • Prepare water for carrying and storage in a manner appropriate to the activity.
  • Select clothing suitable for the walk.
       
Element: Brief participants.
  • Communicate instructions and relevant information about the walk in a manner suitable to participants.
  • Demonstrate packing of a backpack with gear appropriate to proposed walk to participants.
  • Explain symptoms, treatment and prevention of hypothermia, hyperthermia and dehydration to group to assist in self-monitoring.
  • Establish communication systems for use during walk and confirm systems with participants.
  • Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the walk.
       
Element: Lead bushwalking trip.
  • Assist participants to fit and adjust equipment to ensure suitability and safety as required.
  • Provide and reinforce direction and advice to the group during the walk.
  • Monitor walking pace and spacing between walkers in relation to conditions during the walk.
  • Monitor individual participant's performance and behaviour.
  • Monitor weather conditions during the walk.
  • Implement appropriate modifications to walk in response to changing conditions.
       
Element: Select and maintain a temporary site as required.
  • Select a suitable site with reference to minimal impact on the environment according to relevant legislation.
  • Arrange shelter appropriate for prevailing weather conditions.
  • Establish site to ensure comfort and safety of the group.
  • Explain relevant minimum impact practices to group and monitor their compliance.
  • Return site to an equal standard on departure.
       
Element: Complete post trip responsibilities and evaluation
  • Notify relevant authority of trip completion.
  • Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • Evaluate relevant aspects of the walk according to organisational criteria and record outcomes.
  • Identify potential areas of improvement 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:

plans within activity constraints and guides and monitors group in a safe and professional manner

applies effective modifications and contingency management techniques to make adjustments in response to changing conditions that may arise during bushwalking trips

encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure the safe guiding of groups on multiple bushwalking trips in unmodified landscapes that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

an outdoor environment with unmodified landscapes to guide bushwalking

participants to take part in bushwalking trips

bushwalking, navigation, river crossing, overnight, communication, safety, rescue and first aid equipment

resources and information regarding participants to plan, guide and document bushwalking trips.

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 planning and guiding processes and interacting with participants, including conveying information for safe participation

observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the application of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all bushwalking activities throughout trip

review of activity plans for the bushwalking activity

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing appropriate work performed by the candidate.

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

SISOBWG404A Apply river crossing skills

SISOOPS406A Interpret weather conditions in the field.


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

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan a walking activity to meet their needs

convey information about the safety and logistical aspects of trip

interact with participants to create a safe and positive environment during the walk

problem-solving skills to:

plan a trip according to participants'; needs, abilities and risk factors

make decisions about potential hazards that may affect trips

modify aspects of trips according to all variable factors and non-routine situations

planning and organising skills to:

source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and location for the walk

make logistical arrangements

advise authorities of routes and duration of walk

organise participants into manageable groups

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

produce and document a plan for the walk

complete post trip documentation

produce a navigation data sheet

self management skills to review and reflect on own work performance to facilitate improvement

use of communication equipment

first aid, rescue and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response and or rescue in emergencies.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to ensure safe and legal conduct of all activities performed during bushwalking trips

minimal impact codes and practices and general land management requirements to enable application of low impact environmental practices during the walk

Australian Standards for Walking Tracks to enable understanding of track classifications in order to plan a walk that matches the capabilities of participants

site specific information to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential hazards and any special restrictions applying to the area

equipment characteristics and technology used for bushwalking, and factors affecting appropriate selection, use and maintenance to enable safe conduct of all activities

clothing and footwear requirements for bushwalking and general principles affecting selection, such as layering and protective clothing principles

nutritional requirements when participating in outdoor activities and types of food available to suit activity constraints to enable participant wellbeing

risk management strategies to enable safe completion of the walk

water purification methods and equipment to enable access to fresh water

conflict resolution techniques to ensure the group functions cohesively

influence of local air masses, seasons and topography on weather

barometric pressure and its implications

tie-off points or anchors for handlines

first aid, emergency and search and rescue procedures relevant to the location to ensure safety of self and others.

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.

Support personnel may include:

emergency contact

logistics personnel

drivers

administrators

teachers or instructor

subject matter experts.

Activity objectives may include:

self improvement

fitness

social interaction

education.

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

participant confidentiality and assessment procedures

use, maintenance and storage of equipment

tagging faulty or damaged equipment

emergency procedures

communication protocols

time and budget constraints

code of ethics.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Activity plan may include:

aims and objectives

date, time and duration

location, equipment and resources

guide and participant ratios

safety and emergency requirements

risk and contingency management plans.

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.

Appropriate authorities may include:

authorities

supervisors

Equipment may include:

bushwalking equipment

navigation equipment

river crossing equipment

safety, rescue and first aid equipment

communication equipment

camping equipment

hydration system

water purification equipment.

Foodand water requirements may include:

menu planning and preparation

range of foods

emergency food and water

water purification.

Relevant information may include:

logistical details

personal equipment requirements

safety procedures

responsible behaviour

risk assessment and hazard prevention and management.

Changing conditions may include:

weather

participant needs

equipment failure.

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
Conduct relevant assessments to determine the condition of participants in consultation with support personnel. 
Select an activity site or location which meets activity objectives and is suitable for participants according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Select appropriate maps and plan the route for the walk, taking into account environmental impact factors. 
Identify hazards associated with the activity and apply risk minimisation procedures to ensure personal safety of participants. 
Develop an activity plan for the walk to meet the identified needs, abilities and risk factors of participants, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Prepare a Navigation Data Sheet for the proposed walk. 
Access relevantsources to obtain and interpret weather and environmental information for the walk. 
Inform appropriate authorities before the walk. 
Identify and source equipment for the activity. 
Assess equipment for safety and suitability for the walk and complete documentation. 
Prepare equipment for transportation to walk location according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Determine food and water requirements for participants according to walking requirements. 
Identify and plan for emergency food and water requirements. 
Identify the location of water sources accessible during the walk and determine the need for water purification. 
Prepare water for carrying and storage in a manner appropriate to the activity. 
Select clothing suitable for the walk. 
Communicate instructions and relevant information about the walk in a manner suitable to participants. 
Demonstrate packing of a backpack with gear appropriate to proposed walk to participants. 
Explain symptoms, treatment and prevention of hypothermia, hyperthermia and dehydration to group to assist in self-monitoring. 
Establish communication systems for use during walk and confirm systems with participants. 
Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the walk. 
Assist participants to fit and adjust equipment to ensure suitability and safety as required. 
Provide and reinforce direction and advice to the group during the walk. 
Monitor walking pace and spacing between walkers in relation to conditions during the walk. 
Monitor individual participant's performance and behaviour. 
Monitor weather conditions during the walk. 
Implement appropriate modifications to walk in response to changing conditions. 
Select a suitable site with reference to minimal impact on the environment according to relevant legislation. 
Arrange shelter appropriate for prevailing weather conditions. 
Establish site to ensure comfort and safety of the group. 
Explain relevant minimum impact practices to group and monitor their compliance. 
Return site to an equal standard on departure. 
Notify relevant authority of trip completion. 
Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of the walk according to organisational criteria and record outcomes. 
Identify potential areas of improvement for future walks. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOBWG510A - Guide bushwalks in an uncontrolled environment
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

SISOBWG510A - Guide bushwalks in an uncontrolled environment

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: