tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25790430680288013812024-03-06T02:59:16.555+00:00UCLan Outdoors DivisionUCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-16162206850226793372018-05-08T14:01:00.005+01:002018-05-08T14:06:44.545+01:001st year applied work at Plas y Brenin<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1<sup>st</sup> year applied work
at Plas y Brenin<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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During their first year on the <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/outdoor-adventure-leadership.php" target="_blank">BAHons Outdoor Adventure Leadership course</a></span>, students spent 5 weeks at Plas y Brenin
the National Mountain Centre, in North Wales. The focus of the first week was
to consider the core competencies used when operating in the outdoors, and in
that first week we kayaked, spent time in a canoe, rock climbed and had a day
on a mountain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Over the subsequent four weeks, each group spent one week
focusing on each of these adventure sports. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<img alt="Image may contain: one or more people, mountain, outdoor and nature" height="300" src="https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/30073498_2042407089347369_4596174799444114124_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=68c87abaae6255b21a2923a8f8463989&oe=5B566331" width="400" /></div>
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Staying in the centre, the students also made good use of
the climbing wall and rolling pool in the evenings, as well as attending talks
from the staff at Plas y Brenin.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><br /></u></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Here are some of
the thoughts from 1<sup>st</sup> year students about their experiences at Plas
y Brenin:<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />
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“The environment was incredible as it allowed so many
options”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The instructors that work with us are really good… they
have a high level of experience”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Plas y Brenin allowed me to have an outlook into a wider
avenue for my development. Coaches supplied feedback appropriately with
guidance and support”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Experience exceptional, incredible instructors, incredible
environment”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I gained considerable knowledge and practice in paddle
sports, climbing and mountaineering that serve as a good base for a career
start”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Being able to
observe professional outdoor coaches has been very valuable”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I gained top quality experience from top quality
instructors”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Greatly improved upon my practical skills”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Fantastic opportunity to gain personal experience and
expand own skills”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>What did they
learn about?…<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />
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“The decision making process and instructor goes through
when determining what to do for the day”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“How an outdoor centre operates”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Have gained a fantastic insight into the professional
conduct of those at the forefront of the industry”<o:p></o:p></div>
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To see some of the images from these weeks visit our
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/plasybreninUCLan/?ref=br_rs" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>… </div>
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For more information about undergraduate and postgraduate
studies at Uclan visit the website, or click on the links above.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-34241902234622990082018-04-13T13:37:00.000+01:002018-04-13T13:37:12.463+01:00<br />
<h1>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></h1>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Are you Mad? An investigation into the motivations of adventure sports
participants as regards risk, fear and extreme hardship; for recreation.<br />(by <o:p></o:p>Keith McGregor)<br /><o:p> </o:p></span></h2>
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This qualitative research investigates why some of us (me
included) want to put our minds and bodies through extremes of physical and
psychological trauma. On a resent trip to Ben Nevis I was amazed to see some
people trying to climb the mountain in some of the worst conditions I have
seen. One of our party exclaimed “what are they thinking?’ needless to say we
turned back and left them to it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This is a typical example of my research area. What drives
people to do such mad things and put themselves in danger (let alone others) to
risk life and limb, for what? Firstly I needed to look at my motivations and to
do this I have used a personal narrative to investigate this phenomenon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The narrative is about a trip to the European
Alps, which culminated in me falling into a crevasse. The falling into the
crevasse was only part of the story and it led me to publish the story as a ‘Narrative
of Fear’. The data revealed some of my fears but more importantly why I was
putting myself through such ordeals for my pleasure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I also needed to look at why others did the extreme sport of
climbing and mountaineering. I had a collection of stories from recreational
and some semi professional climbers, put together in a readable volume, ‘Merits
of Afternoon Drinking’. This also reveals a huge depth of data and gives
indications that there are many reasons why some wish to risk everything. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The research also looks at narratives from a broad range of
story telling methods. Why do people tell these stories and who are they for?
Are these stories needed to be told or wanted to be told? As non fictional
stories are the way we learn and develop skills and understanding I want to
investigate if the written narrative is a better way of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>storytelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><br />UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-16002882477613451302018-04-03T10:05:00.001+01:002018-04-03T10:05:34.241+01:00<br />
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<span style="color: yellow;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">"A year ago, tomorrow, I attended my first
ever university open day, it was at UCLan. I wasn't sure what I really wanted
to do but I knew I liked sports and I knew I liked the outdoors. I had a read
of the 'Outdoor Adventure Leadership' leaflet and well........</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">.....Yesterday I was Gorge Walking up Afon Ddu
(near Conwy) following four brilliant days rock climbing all around North
Wales. I can now lead climb, place gear and build a belay. All my coaches over
the year have been amazing - I can use crampons and Ice Axes - having stared
the Beast from the East right in her eyes. I've been able to successfully
capsize most vessels in the fleet (need some further work on keeping them the
right way up now). Also, through the first class opportunities available to me
I have been on a week long Scottish Winter Skills course, my coach was Adele
Pennington (Google her) - she was the first British female mountaineer to
successfully top Everest twice - that's the kind of quality instruction made
available to us. A friend of mine on the course is off skiing in France at the
moment and a few others are off kayaking in Slovenia in a few weeks. Not to
mention the guys who have snapped up jobs in the summer working in America with
CCUSA!</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">It's not all "playing" - there's some
academic stuff to be done too. Since the start of the course I've submitted
some work I am extremely proud of and, wait for this - had a piece of work
published in an academic journal - pretty cool eh?</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: yellow;">So, what do you reckon - fancy joining arguably
the coolest course in the university? You will not regret it! Make it
happen."</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><i>1st year student Outdoor Adventure Leadership</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-424362125219815672018-03-21T11:54:00.004+00:002018-03-21T11:55:05.750+00:00<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">A number of the
UCLan Outdoor team presented at the Adventure Sports Coaching Conference at Plas y Brenin earlier this year demonstrating the continuing participation of staff in industry</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Presentations included:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Prof Dave Collins and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dr Loel Collins</b>: Redesigning Training
and Accreditation Systems in Adventure Sports Coaching<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Dr Howie Carson and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chris Eastabrook</b>: Adaptive Automaticity
in Adventure Sport: Contemporary Views And implications<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Sharon Rosser</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">: Understanding successful aging through Nature Challenge
Activities, insights from the older adult climbers, cavers and sea kayakers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Dr Paul Gray</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">: Using Social Interaction to promote, All good coaching is
individualised<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Dr Helen Hooper, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rosemary Smith</b> and Cath Wilson:
Learning through sharing experiences: critical reflections of the experiences
of three female outdoor instructors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Abstracts</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> can be found <b><a href="http://www.pyb.co.uk/adventure-sports-coaching-conference.php">here </a></b></span></div>
<br />UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-10957364428455522852018-03-08T12:30:00.001+00:002018-03-08T12:31:18.021+00:00Outdoor Learning – Gallery Event – Art displays <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhtg5gjU9ppegjPaMHMEJlJsfHBsaeZKE25A6xUMwvly2QMjx6LTdJ6-hLf9kehoI1XlTsJBrfewdSzis-3LRKx1NyINcoTfJ3O3QGeL7ZfP2ygbp-Ctgi5iqjyOTQnxyl_6S-88ryE4/s1600/phone+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhtg5gjU9ppegjPaMHMEJlJsfHBsaeZKE25A6xUMwvly2QMjx6LTdJ6-hLf9kehoI1XlTsJBrfewdSzis-3LRKx1NyINcoTfJ3O3QGeL7ZfP2ygbp-Ctgi5iqjyOTQnxyl_6S-88ryE4/s200/phone+hand.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Tuesday 6<sup>th </sup>March
2018</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9KaCyet-uMNzPUPIlH4o-biwsIOEz98keiDOlpRSu7xz72P0O5XeKlJLIykfYNPbWcpGOLA814Zl_jmF2oaQQWbLXX5rR5G1RBLTy2OUggP8-sTA2ZxPMMyipY_eEdHMjMVIYLRzYq4/s1600/death.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9KaCyet-uMNzPUPIlH4o-biwsIOEz98keiDOlpRSu7xz72P0O5XeKlJLIykfYNPbWcpGOLA814Zl_jmF2oaQQWbLXX5rR5G1RBLTy2OUggP8-sTA2ZxPMMyipY_eEdHMjMVIYLRzYq4/s200/death.jpg" width="150" /></a>The third year
Outdoor students on the Outdoor Image module all presented their artwork and
portfolios from a year of deep thinking and philosophising. The Gallery Event
is the culmination of their learning journey guided by Clive Palmer who claims,
amongst many things, “that education should be memorable, not forgettable”.
What the students presented, and the way they presented it was professional and
memorable for very positive reasons in [Outdoor] Education. The topics were as
varied as the mediums used to create the artworks, for example, from our
dependence on social media, devilish artificial intelligence, plastic poisoning
in the oceans to poetry and plays that celebrate the joy of humanity. Social
culture and aging and gender issues, animal rights and human rights, the
freedom of the environment and the importance of the Outdoors for our very
being. There were short stories, sculptures, speeches, creations in metal,
paper-Mache, wood and clay, it was all on display to enjoy. Having gone public
with their learning, i.e. shared the items and the learning behind them, the
evidence will now be graded which I am sure will make a strong contribution to
their final degree outcomes. However, grades will fade with time, but hopefully
the memory of freedom to think and to create and express their personal
beliefs, as a valid part of their education, will remain vivid in their memory
for a very long time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A book titled ‘Arts-based
education in Outdoor Learning’ (forthcoming) will help to promote this style of
teaching and learning in the outdoors, draft chapters from which were used to
guide these students in this year’s module.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thank you to
all who attended the event. <span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-50126005627719434092017-08-14T09:07:00.000+01:002017-08-14T09:07:28.355+01:00MA Outdoor Practice<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;">The Masters in Outdoor Practice is designed to enable those working in the broad professional environment of the outdoors to engage with postgraduate study. It is delivered by a team of practitioners, educationalists and researchers in the outdoors. The first year of the course involves taught modules which are delivered at weekends, with subsequent modules providing the opportunity to specialise in your own field of practice through research and/or innovation. A special feature of this innovative course is the flexibility to accommodate a diverse range of interests and promote learning through a portfolio of assessments that appropriately meet the needs of students. Thus, the ethos of the course is to enable students to follow their interests and design their own pathway through a master's programme.</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;">Click here for further information </span><a href="http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/outdoor-practice-ma.php" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;" target="_blank">http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/outdoor-practice-ma.php</a><br />
<br />
Email : Rose Powell, Rpowell2@uclan.ac.uk<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-84665488924920284002017-05-09T16:04:00.001+01:002017-05-09T16:04:37.906+01:00Students conquer Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During the Summer of 2016, Louis
Sivori and Jake Ditcham scaled the 5895m peak of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. This was in aid of
the charity Dig Deep, which provides fresh drinking water and sanitation to families
in both Kenya and Tanzania.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
trek took a total of 7 days in which they summited very early on day 6.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Upon completion
Louis commented;</span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"It
was the toughest challenge I’ve ever had to face in my life. The experience and
benefits I will take from it are amazing”</span>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It
is a wonderful achievement and we both had the greatest time. I would fully
recommend this to anyone and I would happily repeat the adventure again”! </span></div>
UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-45698364568771341052016-10-19T13:08:00.000+01:002016-10-19T13:08:02.976+01:00High Praise from External Examiner<div class="MsoNormal">
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Our external examiner provided excellent feedback for both the
Ba (Hons) Outdoor Leadership and Adventure Sports Caching Degree. During his visit he commented;</div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Both courses remain
relevant to the employment needs across the outdoor learning, leadership and
coaching sector.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">The student
learning experience remains of a high quality.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">The degree
programmes timetabling and academic content successfully integrates the work
placement and practical components.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Dissertations are
excellent and publishable.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Students are encouraged
through formative feedback to produce highly innovative and creative work.</span></li>
</ul>
This provides great support for the new <a href="http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/outdoor-adventure-leadership.php" target="_blank">BA(Hons) Outdoor Adventure Leadership</a> due to start in September 2017.UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-33793812489474940952016-09-28T08:17:00.000+01:002016-09-28T08:17:18.244+01:00Uclan Winter skills Scotland Fort William 2016<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b>Day one – Sunday <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Our First Journey day!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhIjiQRbpI4izFqqZXY3GYGAaSjvZ1Wev11ACj8fwetVwIjaWcHyQ1ZvpMy27ytlSNTdJi54sonk6A5zjGMP6q_Qe8_aUVGLeDJov8V8pjmAZV5TGTqIdfR5FO35AB6QbFnqmJJgv-WE/s1600/winter2016a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhIjiQRbpI4izFqqZXY3GYGAaSjvZ1Wev11ACj8fwetVwIjaWcHyQ1ZvpMy27ytlSNTdJi54sonk6A5zjGMP6q_Qe8_aUVGLeDJov8V8pjmAZV5TGTqIdfR5FO35AB6QbFnqmJJgv-WE/s320/winter2016a.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: center;">“On Sunday we hiked
up towards Buachaille Etive Beag, before turning and heading towards Stob Coire
Raineach, learning the basic skills of walking in snow, using crampons and ice
axes. Overall it took 5-7 hours, in snow and poor visibility the higher we got
up, as well as moderate wind that seem stronger due to the snow and cold. One
each took different turns in leading the group and practicing how to walk in
snow as it’s different to walking normally. I learnt so many skills for the
first time that first day and really enjoyed the day, I know that the others
did too.”</span></div>
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-Marianne Wilson <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Day two – Monday <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Our 2nd Journey day! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuY3xsceid_MzgmjoMyGN_Q88O2FpLm82iUTs1jKFTCflDe2nfvddJEhsGdT4hoaTecNmXEGFsiWjPeyqNLYH-a3juQjZhilOh9ysdcbPQ7b5EGZ91uzcaAs8NR7S33-RHi3bNFS0w94/s1600/winter2016b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuY3xsceid_MzgmjoMyGN_Q88O2FpLm82iUTs1jKFTCflDe2nfvddJEhsGdT4hoaTecNmXEGFsiWjPeyqNLYH-a3juQjZhilOh9ysdcbPQ7b5EGZ91uzcaAs8NR7S33-RHi3bNFS0w94/s320/winter2016b.jpg" width="320" /></a>“For me, Monday was one of the main highlights of the
unforgettable trip, we were all pretty equip and knew how to use our crampons
and ice axes by then. We also knew how to judge the weather and make sensible
decisions on what to do. The instructors kindly gave us the choice of journey
or skills, we all choose a journey and it definitely payed of! The scenery was
truly stunning, we all agreed that we couldn’t believe that there was that kind
of scenery in the UK, and one of our instructors said that many of her clients
say that too!. But it truly was breath taking.</div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--> We also got to do a lot of scrambling with
crampons on, allowing us to use them on rocky terrain and crags. We led the
group one by one helping our leadership skills, focusing on our pacing and
keeping the group together (as well as checking up on everyone using
encouraging language when needed). <o:p></o:p></div>
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We all reached the summit of 1115 m (Stob Coire nan Lochan),
this was a huge accomplishment, we all felt very proud of each other and had a
great team spirit. For most of us it was the highest peak we’ve reached so far
and has inspired us to want to accomplish more and more in our spare time. The good weather also made us feel very
lucky! Which carried on throughout the week.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Gabrielle Smith <o:p></o:p></div>
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UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-50703080773714814612016-09-21T10:16:00.001+01:002016-09-21T10:16:09.534+01:00Expedition to Skye<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">As part of the </span>TL2124 expedition module. Hannah and Abi organised a trip themselves with the facilitation of their tutor Allison Inkster.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The journey was planned, designed
and carried out by the two of them working as a team, here the link will take you on their journey, covered in a short video filmed and edited by them too.</span></div>
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UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-90575397717179406282015-10-27T14:11:00.000+00:002015-10-27T14:16:40.923+00:00Residential week enhances learning experience<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PzaY_xc3uYv9pmawuiMq_9no7VjeHUGmZNUB-hGfb-L-PJ7NepYiTTZGWEOd07Hn1CPYk2EO2AvxBVavoe6R4ddQrPRoiluR0hRqjFZWjeln3NiZbgp5DdcRHsOH9N888hgTOioCOns/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PzaY_xc3uYv9pmawuiMq_9no7VjeHUGmZNUB-hGfb-L-PJ7NepYiTTZGWEOd07Hn1CPYk2EO2AvxBVavoe6R4ddQrPRoiluR0hRqjFZWjeln3NiZbgp5DdcRHsOH9N888hgTOioCOns/s640/3.jpg" width="592" /></a><br />
<br />
UCLan Outdoors students enjoy a range of activities designed to underpin their academic studies.<br />
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Through our link up with the Plas y Brenin, the National Mountain Sports Centre in North Wales, these activities provide practical, coaching and leadership skills which are designed to develop highly employable outdoor practitioners.<br />
<br />
Jack Ricketts was one of a group of students who recently completed their second residential week at Plas y Brenin. Canoeing sessions were the focus of the trip, with the students having the opportunity to develop personal and technical skills such as perfecting different canoeing strokes. The group were also able to apply their academic learning in a real world environment.<br />
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Jack commented: "While these residential weeks are extremely fun and physically demanding, the hardest part is integrating the theory learned in lectures to the decision making processes and methods of teaching used by the instructors.<br />
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"The emphasis was placed on problem-based teaching. While the instructors gave us tasks to do without much explanation, we had to come up with a solution to solve the problem. An example of this was performing rescues.<br />
<br />
"The instructors chose a safe spot for us to practise with little consequence in case anything went wrong, and as we progressed they changed one of three things - the environment, the individual or the task.<br />
<br />
"As each of these things changed the other two became increasingly difficult and more problems were encountered. This is an example of the theory developed by Newell and Simon in their 1972 book 'Human Problem Solving', and is used by outdoor instructors on a daily basis."<br />
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To find out more about our partnership with Plas y Brenin please <a href="http://uclanoutdoors.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/uclan-extends-plas-y-brenin-partnership.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-56509135334123586892015-10-20T11:47:00.001+01:002015-10-20T11:47:26.670+01:00UCLan Outdoors research included in national study<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZznmqMVx1yowf6WDn5KW1nZ9nO1-B_jmtWc4KOyt4BTqdYRmGi1jbKSGACtbj_niCLQDH5Bha_BQzEu-xc2bRqvDTtn4OhoUbMgHnhoYQMt_JY41aA8SXOzQEbCbOdnLnqMsN_oDNdXk/s1600/MKikMigb.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZznmqMVx1yowf6WDn5KW1nZ9nO1-B_jmtWc4KOyt4BTqdYRmGi1jbKSGACtbj_niCLQDH5Bha_BQzEu-xc2bRqvDTtn4OhoUbMgHnhoYQMt_JY41aA8SXOzQEbCbOdnLnqMsN_oDNdXk/s200/MKikMigb.jpeg" width="160" /></a>Research conducted by the UCLan Outdoors team has been used in a major national study.<br />
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'Getting Active Outdoors: A Study of Demography, Motivation, Participation and Provision in Outdoor Sport and Recreation in England' was commissioned by Sport England and produced in partnership with the Outdoor Industries Association.<br />
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It examines the demand and supply of outdoor provision and takes an in-depth look at the profile of the outdoor consumer.<br />
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The UCLan research, led by <a href="http://www.uclan.ac.uk/staff_profiles/loel%20_collins.php" target="_blank">Dr Loel Collins</a>, demonstrates how service providers operate across a range of delivery styles. The model demonstrates the relationship between coaching, instructing and guiding – and how a provider may deliver a blend of all three.<br />
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To view the study please <a href="http://www.sportengland.org/media/871842/outdoors-participation-report-v2-lr-spreads.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>.UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-61355219474357586932015-10-01T15:41:00.000+01:002015-10-01T15:54:15.770+01:00UCLan extends Plas y Brenin partnership<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSavFdi50_dXeR3BJNGUkNB5nU5e11gx9m850qkCJiSghyphenhyphenwPZTOutikAVP3IHB69S73WU88mA5A4eICMTO5IDhZskiutwR10LNqClGO-orMXDZ96iL7pWOcSvXYLawT2GQC5531a044pE/s1600/11933390_1640362856218463_2809313932584830147_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSavFdi50_dXeR3BJNGUkNB5nU5e11gx9m850qkCJiSghyphenhyphenwPZTOutikAVP3IHB69S73WU88mA5A4eICMTO5IDhZskiutwR10LNqClGO-orMXDZ96iL7pWOcSvXYLawT2GQC5531a044pE/s320/11933390_1640362856218463_2809313932584830147_n.jpg" width="195" /></a>Students on our programmes will continue to enjoy practical sessions with the UK's top provider of outdoor adventure activities, following confirmation of an exciting partnership between <a href="http://www.uclan.ac.uk/schools/sport-wellbeing/index.php" target="_blank">UCLan</a> and <a href="http://www.pyb.co.uk/" target="_blank">Plas y Brenin</a>.<br />
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After a successful trial period the University has teamed up with the National Mountain Sports Centre in North Wales, where they will help deliver selected courses over the next three years.<br />
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<a href="http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/ba_hons_outdoor_leadership.php" target="_blank">Outdoor Leadership</a> and <a href="http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/ba_hons_adventure_sports_coaching.php" target="_blank">Adventure Sports Coaching</a> students will benefit from the expertise of UCLan and Plas y Brenin staff as they undertake a diverse range of modules. <br />
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These will develop their practical, coaching and leadership skills via a range of activities including mountaineering, rock climbing, white water kayaking, sea kayaking, mountain biking and canoeing.<br />
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UCLan's <a href="http://uclanicap.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Institute of Coaching and Performance</a> will also work closely with Plas y Brenin on research projects, including understanding the judgement and decision making processes of experts in adventure sports that will help to influence the future development of the outdoor profession over the next decade.<br />
<br />
UCLan Outdoors Senior Lecturer Loel Collins said: "We're very excited be in a position to maintain our relationship with the National Mountain Sports Centre. It's a partnership that reinforces UCLan and Plas y Brenin as leaders in the field of development in this sector.<br />
<br />
Dave Cheetham, Marketing Manager for Plas y Brenin, added: "We're over the moon to be working with UCLan's students and their staff, and we hope it will be a relationship that extends long into the future.<br />
<br />
"UCLan is committed to helping its students achieve and surpass their goals, and to helping them convert their learning into rewarding careers in the outdoors. We're convinced Plas y Brenin can play a significant part in helping them do that.<br />
<br />
"Alongside top-class coaching, world-class facilities and state-of-the-art-equipment, the students will also have the benefit of being immersed in the exciting and inspiring world of a National Sports Centre, surrounded by high performance athletes, coaches and enthusiasts all eager to help.<br />
<br />
"They'll share time with many of the country's most successful climbers, paddlers and riders, and have the opportunity to communicate directly with decision makers from the governing bodies of those sports.<br />
<br />
"With input from the best in the business at UCLan and Plas y Brenin, these students will enjoy the best foundation for a career in the outdoor industry."
UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-48448908759000381632015-09-30T15:21:00.000+01:002015-10-01T19:09:52.201+01:00Outdoor congress attracts stellar line-up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyruatq_PJHXZNIBh0mXdv4xakIhR3rqwu2eXp907SPCJaz_Ni2qpLX2Fh7ZWwtenbXY5Z-a6HmVO_4GUWQr6xIpinxgV5L9PoVICqoXxj6eMNJmsMh1HeVWPX9IusfiX0dY-ESlreSw/s1600/mark_hickman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyruatq_PJHXZNIBh0mXdv4xakIhR3rqwu2eXp907SPCJaz_Ni2qpLX2Fh7ZWwtenbXY5Z-a6HmVO_4GUWQr6xIpinxgV5L9PoVICqoXxj6eMNJmsMh1HeVWPX9IusfiX0dY-ESlreSw/s320/mark_hickman.jpg" width="230" /></a>This year's European Outdoor Summit (EOS2015) is shaping up to be an unmissable event, with an exciting line-up of motivational speakers, engaging break-out sessions and workshops already announced.<br />
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UCLan Outdoors Senior Lecturer Dr Mark Hickman has accepted an invitation to deliver a keynote speech at the conference, along with Professor Colin Beard of Sheffield Hallam University.<br />
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Dr Hickman will look at the need for a focused social gerontology of the outdoors to help understand how the ageing population uses adventure sports and outdoor activities, and how this impacts on the ageing process.<br />
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His presentation follows on from an appearance at the recent International Adventure Conference where Dr Hickman, along with colleagues Allison Inkster and Helen Hooper, delivered separate papers on the same subject.<br />
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Former UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg tops an impressive list of speakers, with Professor Greg Whyte from The Centre for Health & Human Performance and Public Health England's Health Dr Justin Varney also set to take part in the three-day event. <br />
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EOS2015 takes place at Sheffield Hallam University on 13-15 October. For more information please <a href="http://www.europeanoutdoorsummit.com/index.php/programme/agenda/2015-10-15" target="_blank">click here</a>.
UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-14811913278578542382015-09-24T15:22:00.000+01:002015-09-24T15:22:28.878+01:00Outdoor experts accept conference invite<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZs4CTcg46vGvOmgIi0mg2oTh6IOurnZWUXmaIU3QxyGcdwDatsYDcfF8WVL4BGjyfSu5Q4YAAMHsA6pfqFB0uxbQQdNmkM6eqvfhyRoWLBTFIGW9aJIuNI7J8xKvgmWOCo3b4rsSAvKY/s1600/B2U-FQoIEAAyF0z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZs4CTcg46vGvOmgIi0mg2oTh6IOurnZWUXmaIU3QxyGcdwDatsYDcfF8WVL4BGjyfSu5Q4YAAMHsA6pfqFB0uxbQQdNmkM6eqvfhyRoWLBTFIGW9aJIuNI7J8xKvgmWOCo3b4rsSAvKY/s320/B2U-FQoIEAAyF0z.jpg" width="256" /></a>Dr Loel Collins (left) and Chris Eastabrook have been invited to take part in a showpiece national coaching event.<br />
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The UCLan Outdoors duo will deliver presentations at The British Canoeing Coach Conference 2015 to be held in Crewe later this year.<br />
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Themed 'The Multidimensional Role of a Coach', the event will bring together coaches from across the paddlesport disciplines to explore the different parts a coach plays in the development of their paddlers.<br />
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The conference takes place 21-22nd November - for further details please <a href="http://www.canoe-england.org.uk/coaching/coaching-conferences-/" target="_blank">click here</a>.UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-89158707553286355872015-09-23T14:25:00.000+01:002015-10-08T10:11:50.812+01:00Staff tackle epic canoe challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQVE8alj8QQQg8mReOg5NJunpJmeOtC-UDdghP3dFE8exNrw4M6X-WIYN_0CcMymI2zhSz_lGQwkVzYoz-4NTeFeaqvG7B1_Ra8syyVxLmdh2yrH3Jdq72AZSSprFjyUVhJjKv5IJSLo/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQVE8alj8QQQg8mReOg5NJunpJmeOtC-UDdghP3dFE8exNrw4M6X-WIYN_0CcMymI2zhSz_lGQwkVzYoz-4NTeFeaqvG7B1_Ra8syyVxLmdh2yrH3Jdq72AZSSprFjyUVhJjKv5IJSLo/s320/1.jpg" width="238" /></a>UCLan Outdoors staff undertook an arduous canoe expedition in Northern Canada during August.<br />
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Loel Collins, Simon Allfree, Chris Eastabrook, Andy Hall and Karl Midlane encountered polar bears, beluga whales, moose, eagles and white water in a 700 mile, 23 day expedition up the South Indian Lake in Northern Manitoba via the Seal River system, to Churchill on the Hudson Bay coast.<br />
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They paddled, hauled, lined and portaged their fully-loaded canoes for three days before moving over the water shed, via the historic Keskamutinawok Portage, into the South Seal River.<br />
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After 10 days on the South Fork, a system of exposed lakes and difficult white water, the team reached the confluence with the North Seal and continued towards Hudson Bay.<br />
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The lower Seal drops north from the Canadian Shield, onto the Arctic tundra through a series of long and technically challenging rapids and massive lakes that lead to the coast. The team eventually entered the complex river delta before returning to Churchill Township.<br />
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UCLan Outdoors would like to thank Palm Equipment International and Equal Adventure - both long-standing research and innovation partners - and the Cree First Nation for their assistance.
UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-61735472239705038052015-09-21T15:40:00.001+01:002015-09-21T15:42:01.648+01:00Outdoors students deliver Welcome Week activities <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQauS7lVIo0UlMEidPDlpY71mGaI41r2JYMF8_RlgyiXk9VcT-YuWquSAZBdy7oXbYAYcg27z9jxOij6x7O3WVMmj8ewH8MERqfuPa0kjj_OTLS4d02ha2yQeNdaxGXVJ1-2bkhkLUTxQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQauS7lVIo0UlMEidPDlpY71mGaI41r2JYMF8_RlgyiXk9VcT-YuWquSAZBdy7oXbYAYcg27z9jxOij6x7O3WVMmj8ewH8MERqfuPa0kjj_OTLS4d02ha2yQeNdaxGXVJ1-2bkhkLUTxQ/s640/1.jpg" width="592" /></a><br />
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UCLan Welcome Week saw huge numbers of students attending our <a href="http://uclanoutdoors.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/frontier-education-programme.html" target="_blank">Frontier Education courses</a> across the Preston area.<br />
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Undergraduates from our <a href="http://uclanoutdoors.blogspot.co.uk/p/outdoor-leadership.html" target="_blank">Outdoor Leadership</a> and <a href="http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/ba_hons_adventure_sports_coaching.php" target="_blank">Adventure Sports Coaching</a> programmes gained valuable experience delivering team building and problem solving sessions.<br />
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Setting tasks and conducting reviews allowed the students to learn the value of feedback, become more confident asking for help or understanding a plan, and undertake a review cycle that will help them complete assignments and get to grips with their degree.<br />
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The students had the opportunity to work alongside our experienced associate staff, who are some of the leading practitioners in outdoor education. They offered assistance and allowed students to bounce ideas off them during and after each session.<br />
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In addition to gaining valuable work experience the sessions helped the students put into context the theory learned during lectures, thus improving their understanding whilst challenging existing ideas.UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-85745426232759690102015-09-17T13:16:00.000+01:002015-09-17T13:16:14.512+01:00Top-up course proves popular choice<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCdEbKzuqGk3JxGKb2NwsI1eD0d5gxk5xT1xjvFS9F7yX2Nsd24a44EoMBUGp-fKYtykUZKSQNMJlp284PgSsXuJOoF0L7FIGVQEM16zqTs1q_vb1269VhzmQgzqYlbUSPSzv47hZMiI/s1600/21079842559_5f83e30d45_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCdEbKzuqGk3JxGKb2NwsI1eD0d5gxk5xT1xjvFS9F7yX2Nsd24a44EoMBUGp-fKYtykUZKSQNMJlp284PgSsXuJOoF0L7FIGVQEM16zqTs1q_vb1269VhzmQgzqYlbUSPSzv47hZMiI/s320/21079842559_5f83e30d45_o.jpg" width="216" /></a>The <a href="http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/ba_hons_outdoor_leadership_top_up_blended.php" target="_blank">Blended Outdoor Leadership top-up degree</a> teaching team are looking forward to working with our new intake of students.<br />
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The part-time course, designed by practitioners for practitioners, is run by <a href="http://www.uclan.ac.uk/staff_profiles/helen_hooper.php" target="_blank">Helen Hooper</a>, <a href="http://www.uclan.ac.uk/staff_profiles/rosemary_powell.php" target="_blank">Rosemary Powell</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/keithymac" target="_blank">Keith McGregor</a>, and is delivered over an 18 month period.<br />
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Modules are taught one at a time, with each module having two weekends of teaching.<br />
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Recent graduate Danny Morgan highly recommends the programme: "It is a hugely varied and interesting course. The assignments are well spaced over the period of the course, meaning the workload never gets too high.<br />
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"Rosemary and Helen are very experienced, passionate and helpful lecturers who will get the best out of you."<br />
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If you are interested in joining us you can start in January or September, or simply do one module as CPD.<br />
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The modules include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Leadership and Change</li>
<li>Sustainable Outdoor Practice</li>
<li>Performance Coaching</li>
<li>Personal Emotional and Social Development in Outdoor Activites</li>
<li>Conditioning for Adventure Sports</li>
<li>Single Research Project</li>
</ul>
For further information please email <a href="mailto:RPowell2@uclan.ac.uk" target="_blank">Rosemary Powell</a> or <a href="mailto:HHooper@uclan.ac.uk" target="_blank">Helen Hooper</a>.
UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-28144189522968617162015-09-11T17:36:00.003+01:002015-09-23T15:25:09.459+01:00UCLan Outdoors team enjoy busy summer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQP1zpqoAw8it0zU7wCxz4wD98Tu4z8TIHAz4IebgpRxJZq2CHEbT-JYJKRL60p-54Zsi690kXyJ6CIbXTQrda8-f00qR23OCcNe0vuIw8JT3sOeTcidiktmNro8o0DzFGogGa0fYlsY/s1600/COe3UpsWsAAnerw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQP1zpqoAw8it0zU7wCxz4wD98Tu4z8TIHAz4IebgpRxJZq2CHEbT-JYJKRL60p-54Zsi690kXyJ6CIbXTQrda8-f00qR23OCcNe0vuIw8JT3sOeTcidiktmNro8o0DzFGogGa0fYlsY/s320/COe3UpsWsAAnerw.jpg" width="189" /></a>The UCLan Outdoors team have had a hectic few weeks preparing for the new academic year.<br />
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In addition to taking part in the International Adventure Conference at Sheffield Hallam University and carrying out staff training in North Wales, the team have enjoyed a variety of experiences to further enhance their knowledge of the outdoors.<br />
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Rosemary Powell spent time canoeing and surfing on the west coast of Ireland, sailing at Rhosneigr in Wales and also pulling up an invasive species (Himalayan Balsam) on nature reserves.<br />
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Helen Hooper instructed cavers from South Wales Caving Club (SWCC) and Reading University Caving Club in Single Rope Technique (SRT) and rigging skills, and took part in a caving expedition to Dent de Crolles in the French Alps with SWCC.<br />
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Helen also conducted a research study with older females from North Yorkshire (aged 60 and above), looking at the benefits of exposure to new challenges in older adulthood.<br />
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Keith McGregor climbed the north face of the Piz Badile on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Tackling the mountain by the difficult Cassin VI+ route it took Keith 10 hours to reach the summit, but 12 hours to descend due to the complex nature of route finding.<br />
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He also travelled to the Dolomites in Italy to climb the north face of the Cima Grande, but had to abandon the attempt due to extreme cold weather conditions. Keith had better luck on the south east face of Tofana Di Rozes, reaching the summit and back in six hours.<br />
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Loel Collins had a more relaxing time, witnessing the Northern Lights, listening to Loons, paddling with whales and seeing the biggest land dwelling carnivore on the planet.<br />
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Chris Gunn visited Oberstdorf in Bavaria, enjoying a variety of outdoor and adventure sports, while Alli Inkster worked on a research project with sea kayakers looking at active ageing.<br />
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New team member Alice Mees led a group of teenagers on an expedition to Morocco where they successfully summited Mount Toubkal. She also spent a week working with the ASNI association, rebuilding damaged roads in the community and learning about traditional Berber culture.<br />
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With these new experiences under their belts, the team are now back on campus and ready to welcome new and returning students to UCLan.
UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-35982415279350531082015-07-01T21:15:00.001+01:002015-07-02T15:46:54.391+01:00Outdoors team bid to establish new research centre<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj91m2glL6BomXnIWeuoThZL5Al-pMytSHquLz1V2wrg63oiSA_eDPpwm2frAmrdL87RXedU5ygtNRte49sYm0YPJ9OuXf4HyXcG-LFKeC6lBMv_beQwRNFYISbk2zaLEXFFcRxjfgfsk/s1600/mark_hickman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj91m2glL6BomXnIWeuoThZL5Al-pMytSHquLz1V2wrg63oiSA_eDPpwm2frAmrdL87RXedU5ygtNRte49sYm0YPJ9OuXf4HyXcG-LFKeC6lBMv_beQwRNFYISbk2zaLEXFFcRxjfgfsk/s320/mark_hickman.jpg" width="195" /></a>The UCLan Outdoors Division is a highly research active section within the university, with staff conducting numerous activities, both nationally and internationally.<br />
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Senior Lecturer Dr Mark Hickman, in conjunction with colleagues Alli Inkster, Helen Hooper and Division Leader Nick Passenger, is currently working to establish UCLan as a recognised centre for research into active ageing in the outdoors.<br />
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The team are delivering a series of presentations at institutions across the UK, including Bucks New University, Northumbria University and Staffordshire University.<br />
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In September they will take part in the International Adventure Conference at Sheffield Hallam University. The event consistently attracts a worldwide delegation of leading academic researchers and industry professionals who carry out cutting edge adventure research, and who work in the adventure tourism and recreation industries.<br />
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This year's conference features leading adventurer Alastair Humphreys, Andrew Denton, CEO of Outdoor Industries Association and world champion mountain biker Steve Peat.<br />
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For more information about the event please <a href="http://www.shu.ac.uk/sbs/news-events/events/international-adventure-conference-2015" target="_blank">click here</a>.
UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-15769640153480458252015-06-16T15:35:00.001+01:002015-08-13T12:37:12.646+01:00Students enjoy European kayaking adventure<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerQ2ENGT0sPItHNHa0bnf5BSD2ymkxrWx7AzsGLT1eau2DSp8JhfTZeyMNFDctvjHGgSYcnofqm_86y-TVelIPWvwqCTmC6T2hVIXS4qHV3HCfIQHbgH_Ia5p9X5Wf1byfa12Cv54jBc/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerQ2ENGT0sPItHNHa0bnf5BSD2ymkxrWx7AzsGLT1eau2DSp8JhfTZeyMNFDctvjHGgSYcnofqm_86y-TVelIPWvwqCTmC6T2hVIXS4qHV3HCfIQHbgH_Ia5p9X5Wf1byfa12Cv54jBc/s320/4.jpg" width="192" /></a>UCLan Outdoors students recently travelled to Europe to apply their academic learning in a 'real world' environment.<br />
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The group visited whitewater rivers in Slovenia and Germany to enhance their kayaking skills and gain a number of additional qualifications to boost their CVs.<br />
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Student Beth Wilson said the trip had provided the group with an invaluable insight into the outdoor environment.<br />
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"Our first alpine paddling experience was unreal," said Beth. "The scenery, the culture, the food, the crystal clear water and of course the kayaking. A week in Slovenia, finished off with two days in Germany, truly was amazing!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrC6YXUQ-8WJfKfVLjTF1TELYq6ZfVwxS7ujfO2mm118Ccr0EthtHJyzCteoYZiHZ3TGiLVCxRkSe5zceiA5VpT17uuhvTODIaKJ7M6RlObcNX9Pqyv4WYHqhS6Lka1XXHK7nFLM1hPA/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrC6YXUQ-8WJfKfVLjTF1TELYq6ZfVwxS7ujfO2mm118Ccr0EthtHJyzCteoYZiHZ3TGiLVCxRkSe5zceiA5VpT17uuhvTODIaKJ7M6RlObcNX9Pqyv4WYHqhS6Lka1XXHK7nFLM1hPA/s320/3.jpg" width="168" /></a>The students paddled on three of Europe's most popular whitewater rivers, the Soča, Ammer and Rissbach, and also explored some of Slovenia's most iconic sights.<br />
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Beth added: "We not only did a vast amount of paddling, we were also able to enjoy the 'kayaking lifestyle', starting the day with coffee and finishing with ice cream - what could be better?<br />
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"We ventured into the Slovenian mountains to view the majestic Boka Waterfall, and spent a late afternoon rock jumping into the beautiful waters of the Soča.<br />
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"Our group also had the opportunity to gain qualifications whilst there, including whitewater safety and rescue training, and 3 star kayaking.<br />
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"The 36-hour minibus journey there and back was most definitely worthwhile - a return visit next year is definitely on the cards."<br />
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Please click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bethjwils/videos/10153271107989334/?pnref=story" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellie.selley/videos/838433356194001/?pnref=story" target="_blank">here</a> for video footage from the trip.UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-63979590950601999022015-06-08T15:58:00.001+01:002015-06-08T15:58:09.121+01:00High praise for UCLan Outdoors graduates<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKla7H-J1LHuA82MqL8-fborvzGoUVynmxJ64e0tXQvpcp8cg4U7PIenbVtDt_9rZjcnK24n3P8bk2BG_6RAco90smnSoKIT2aWP-l50NmjPO6IZdotKigjqNWVE74QLwF2hhmFgCPNjI/s1600/15886873554_7a73a134a6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKla7H-J1LHuA82MqL8-fborvzGoUVynmxJ64e0tXQvpcp8cg4U7PIenbVtDt_9rZjcnK24n3P8bk2BG_6RAco90smnSoKIT2aWP-l50NmjPO6IZdotKigjqNWVE74QLwF2hhmFgCPNjI/s320/15886873554_7a73a134a6_o.jpg" width="256" /></a>Graduate employability is a key component of the UCLan Outdoors programme.<br />
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As well as developing an in-depth understanding of the practical, theoretical and contemporary issues within the industry, students are offered a variety of real-world learning experiences whilst studying at UCLan which greatly enhance their future career prospects.<br />
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High Adventure Outdoor Education Centre in Keighley have recognised these qualities during the past few years, offering roles to a number of our graduates.<br />
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Tim Ferguson, Director of High Adventure, said: "As an employer within the outdoor education industry it's very clear to see the difference between graduates from UCLan and all the others from across the UK.<br />
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"There's no comparison between UCLan and the rest in terms of the professionalism, experience and knowledge they possess. They are better prepared and have a greater ability to enter the world of work within the industry.<br />
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"UCLan graduates always have a significant amount of outdoor education experience, they are always vastly superior technicians, have far greater teaching, instructing and coaching abilities and give you a warm reassuring feeling they really comprehend the outdoor industry.<br />
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"I'm given 24 seasonal staff to work with every year, and without knowing anyone's background I can always guess which ones are the UCLan graduates. They are always more knowledgeable, already part or fully qualified in some of the 'hard ticket' activities and always stand out as the better instructors."
UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-40820078613389183162015-04-16T13:41:00.002+01:002015-04-16T13:41:25.452+01:00Camera contest celebrates Preston’s Guild Wheel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBsng6_AWEHPwnS7b9c2iA7xL8H2lxoXWiJ5HOnHUCu6if0FCvMiFXONDhTCQekpmIZM3AAsTBWylXQvv8_zSySNX2Pf7gtSc8nIMhhabxdgw6m6uMoFxeKF0lY2iY601ZoABpvNri8Q/s1600/DSCN0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBsng6_AWEHPwnS7b9c2iA7xL8H2lxoXWiJ5HOnHUCu6if0FCvMiFXONDhTCQekpmIZM3AAsTBWylXQvv8_zSySNX2Pf7gtSc8nIMhhabxdgw6m6uMoFxeKF0lY2iY601ZoABpvNri8Q/s1600/DSCN0269.JPG" height="232" width="174" /></a>Can you capture the Guild Wheel in all its glory on camera?<br />
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Thousands of walkers and cyclists who use the 21-mile greenway around Preston are being invited to use their artistic talents in a monthly photographic competition.<br />
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The Lancashire Evening Post want you to capture the beauty of the Wheel throughout the seasons – from the multi-coloured carpets of spring flowers, to the golden tones of summer, onto the reds and browns of autumn, through to the white frosts of winter.<br />
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In conjunction with the Guild Wheel User Group, a £50 prize will be offered for the best photograph submitted each month and the photo will appear in print.<br />
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By the end of the year the LEP should have 12 striking images showing the changing face of the Wheel as the seasons progress, which they hope will make up a very special calendar for 2016.<br />
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Please send your photos as JPEG attachments at least 1MB in size, to <a href="mailto:iain.lynn@jpress.co.uk" target="_blank">Iain Lynn</a>, along with your name, address and phone number.UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-54531435062003027492015-03-24T12:18:00.000+00:002015-03-24T12:23:18.073+00:00Scottish Winter Skills 2015<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzZyvO1U5OaSMmaZzQe5utq3CtElR1G5rZ2miuj9AoEuh0gUn-ll-wDRTG6T7opL22ePuMIs-r-Ok1u_LFRF8LuipYMeOzcPF7yvonLSaV6MFl-iI9olB6mMIUDr9ZCsBfyYHreMy-NA/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzZyvO1U5OaSMmaZzQe5utq3CtElR1G5rZ2miuj9AoEuh0gUn-ll-wDRTG6T7opL22ePuMIs-r-Ok1u_LFRF8LuipYMeOzcPF7yvonLSaV6MFl-iI9olB6mMIUDr9ZCsBfyYHreMy-NA/s1600/8.jpg" height="432" width="576" /></a><br />
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UCLan Outdoors undergraduates recently tackled the Scottish Winter Skills Enhancement course as part of their studies.<br />
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The group of 1st and 2nd year Outdoor Leadership and Adventure Sports Coaching students travelled to Scotland for a week of winter mountaineering.<br />
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To read their blog about the trip please <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bwvnhykh9AEab0VHTVdNUHgyb1U/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">click here</a>. For images from the trip please <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/98065086@N08/sets/72157651543767735/" target="_blank">click here</a>.UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2579043068028801381.post-7313178898587269032015-03-06T12:01:00.001+00:002015-03-06T12:01:23.584+00:00Enhancement week develops practical knowledge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuI95rpcjiebDjJ5L0IGN0SpI4TUKWttA1uceG-ZUCpnpoI-zxasj7TlqbzCkQoh4F7K8tmLiShL-G5-8uxFVlja5o9ZzTRAYdUiDx4A40I29PAStFQXV-pQsEFXSp9QLpfDJ1UMuJCUM/s1600/10592780_10153109992763633_4086442080349660598_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuI95rpcjiebDjJ5L0IGN0SpI4TUKWttA1uceG-ZUCpnpoI-zxasj7TlqbzCkQoh4F7K8tmLiShL-G5-8uxFVlja5o9ZzTRAYdUiDx4A40I29PAStFQXV-pQsEFXSp9QLpfDJ1UMuJCUM/s1600/10592780_10153109992763633_4086442080349660598_n.jpg" height="288" width="216" /></a>The UCLan Outdoors programme provides numerous opportunities to develop practical skills on top of our theoretical teaching.<br />
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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.<br />
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This helps theory to inform practice and practice to inform research, which prepares students for their dissertations during year three.<br />
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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.<br />
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"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."<br />
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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.<br />
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"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.<br />
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"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.<br />
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"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."UCLan Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02041783497013508963noreply@blogger.com0