Students will learn all the basics of map reading, navigation, expedition planning and risk assessment. They will then have the opportunity to put those skills into practice. If you want to understand how to read maps and use a compass, how to prevent blisters and be self sufficient in the outdoors then this is the course for you.

Students will work as a group initially and learn how to use a map and compass effectively. The students will split into groups and undertake the task of constructing a route, logging the details on a route card, undertaking the planning of an expeditions. They will have to complete tasks with the time constraints by discussion of objective, effective communication, negotiation and team work. Both parents and children will have the opportunity to undertake tasks.
Throughout the course parents and children will learn how to take on a leadership role and enhance their effective communication skills.
Members of the group will work with each other and will be taught skills to pass on to other group members to reinforce the need for effective communication.
Children and parents will learn how to assess risk and operate in a safe manner. All students will have an understanding of the issues of expedition planning which can be translated to any type of expedition.
The first day of the course will be a classroom day. The second day of the course will be at a country venue within easy travelling distance of Hillingdon where students will have the opportunity to put their newly learned skills into action during a day in the countryside.

Students will gain an understanding of mapping the world around them
Students will acquire basic navigation and map reading techniques
Adults and children will learn how to visualise features and contours translated from a map
An understanding of potential risk and managing safety
An ability to plan and execute a scheme
A greater ability to work in a team
A greater ability to undertake tasks under time restraints
An understanding of the psychology of negotiation
The ability to take on an effective leadership role
A better understanding of what is effective communication
Parents will learn how to support their children in the learning process and gauge progress
Children will see parents learning and understand that education is a life long process and does not stop when you leave school or reach a certain age.
An interest in the outdoors and nature and the need to use sustainable methods of living
An understanding that an interest in the outdoors can become a career path
A greater appreciation of the fitness benefits of regular walks which can be combined with a learning experience.
An understanding that pursuits such as climbing can be an avenue to a career. Click here - for our Aimhigher Careers Leaflet

The course is ideal for families who wish to be able to go on more adventurous and educational walks together. The course could be a springboard to adults taking their Basic Expedition Leader qualification and as a precursor for children who intend to undertake expeditions with scouts, cadets or venture groups or who intend to go on to completion of a Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Kit list for the expedition day will be devised by the group however, please note that students must provide their own walking boots, waterproofs and backpacks. If any of these things are an issue, please contact us.
Students must have their own transport or be able to share transport with other students in order to get to the walking location which will be somewhere within easy travelling distance of Hillingdon.