Enhancement week develops practical knowledge

The UCLan Outdoors programme provides numerous opportunities to develop practical skills on top of our theoretical teaching.

Bex Farmer is currently in the second year of her Adventure Sports Coaching course, and recently enjoyed a variety of activities to help enhance her technical skills and leadership abilities.

This helps theory to inform practice and practice to inform research, which prepares students for their dissertations during year three.

Bex commented: "To continue our development we must get out there on our own, making our own decisions and mistakes. The enhancement weeks allow us to take advantage of a break in lectures to do this.

"I worked on my climbing skills at Stanage, logging the experience required for the Single Pitch Award. Taking the learning gained from instructional staff, meant I could safely go out in a peer group setting to develop decision making and practical skills, whilst ensuring good independent practice."

During the trip Bex practised setting up solid anchors, top belaying and lead climbing. She tested her knowledge against other students to share and develop ideas. Bex also visited UCLan Sports Arena to test her paddling skills and coaching capabilities ready for her Level 1 Coach Course.

"The canal provided us with a safe and appropriate environment to test my knowledge on several skills in both kayak and canoe and offer feedback to other students, so we met the pre-requisites required for Level 1," said Bex.

"This not only built our confidence, but gave us valuable preparation time for the course which I'm pleased to say I passed. This enhancement week allowed me to test my practical skills and knowledge in a range of different environments.

"These experiences aid my ability to gain industry-required National Governing Body qualifications that equip me to work as a professional in the outdoor sector, not only for when I graduate, but also for our summer breaks where we gain valuable experience in the sector."

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