To pass your group day assessment I’d expect to see a well structured, educational, interesting, challenging and safe trip pitched at an appropriate level for your group, and taking into account any access agreements or conservation considerations for your venue. You’ll be expected to provide your own group for the day, and be assessed in the most challenging mine/cave on your proposed list.
Before your assessment
Before committing to an assessment you’ll need to be sure you meet the pre-requisites. These can be checked by downloading the pathway for the module by clicking here. If you completed your assessment before the 7th of September 2020 I’ll need a copy of your S4B page from your previous (core skills day) assessment. If you completed your Core Skills assessment after the 7th of September 2020 there’s no need as your details will be stored in the Qualifications Management System.
If you can please send me a copy of your log book experience form the last few years, if not then a summary will be find however I’ll need to see your physical log book on the assessment day to confirm.
Make sure you’re thoroughly familiar with the mines you’d like to lead groups in, and have recent logged experience of exploring mines a little more challenging than those on your list.
Annotate a plan of each of the mines you’d like on your list highlighting any
- areas of potential interest to your groups (both geological and historical),
- potential hazards, including an explanation of how you would manage them with your group (and make sure you illustrate this during your assessment!), and also any
- access arrangements or other considerations for your mines
Click here for an example of what Im after
Make sure you get these plans back to me within 7 days of your assessment.
If you’d prefer we can arrange to talk about your list prior to your assessment, however I’ll still need an annotated plan (with the points of interest numbered) before having a discussion.
During your assessment
I’ll need to see your log book before the assessment so please have it with you (unless you’ve emailed me a copy before hand).
Make sure you’ve packed the appropriate kit for yourself and your group, you’ll need to justify your kit choice so don’t just rely on using “the same kit as every other instructor” if you’re working at a Centre.
Plan your trip but be prepared to adapt it to your group. You’ll be asked to demonstrate good both spotting and rope work (so don’t forget an appropriate rope!) during the trip so plan that into your day.
Use your second/visiting staff effectively.
My focus is likely to be less on you, and more on the group. Do they look engaged & safe?
Try to relax!