National Conference for Leaders of Outdoor Activities in Schools | ICE Education
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National Conference for Leaders of Outdoor Activities in Schools

Face to Face Event

Friday 8 November at The National Outdoor Centre, Snowdonia

National Conference for  Leaders of Outdoor Activities in Schools - Friday 8 November 2024
Dates & Venues
    In association with
    Professional Association of Leaders in Outdoor Education in Schools

    Welcome to the National Conference for leaders of Outdoor and Adventure Education. This offers a chance to update knowledge of both the practical and risk management dimensions of the sector, and to network with like-minded professionals in the inspiring environment of the National Outdoor Centre.

    The landscape of education in the outdoors is constantly changing, with structures, processes and techniques ever-evolving. This event provides guidance from the national authorities, and enables schools to be confident in their systems and operations.

    Delegates have the opportunity to assemble at Plas-y-Brenin the previous evening, to facilitate both travel and networking.

    Programme

    9.00am

    Conference Assembles. Refreshments

    9.30am

    Risk Management: Learning from Recent Incidents
    Martin Chester, Former Director of Training, Plas Y Brenin and International Mountain Guide
    A recent coroner’s report (into a fatality involving a youth group) has sent ripples through the sector and inspired widespread review of risk management in adventure activities. This session explores the issues and identifies lessons being learned. This interactive session will question how well schools would measure up to current requirements and consider the rationale of whether the benefits are worth the risks. 

    10.30am

    Discussion Forum: Contemporary Issues in Outdoor Activities and Educational Visits
    Martin Chester and Paul Bond FRGS

    11.30am

    Practical Session One

    either Navigation: Micro navigation skills and contemporary methods for teaching navigation 
    or Paddleboarding: Strategies for including this activity in school programmes, a taster session and guidance on qualification pathways 
    Practical sessions delivered by Plas-y-Brenin specialist instructors

    1.00pm

    Lunch

    2.00pm

    Practical Session Two

    either Indoor Climbing schemes: A practical taster and an introduction to national schemes for Bouldering and Indoor Wall 
    or Remote First Aid: Practical advice on management of casualties and the affected group 'Far from Help', Ideal for those holding a standard EFAW or FAW qualifications and a refresher for others 
    Practical sessions delivered by Plas-y-Brenin specialist instructors

    3.30pm

    Plenary

    4.00pm

    Conference disperses

    In association with
    Professional Association of Leaders in Outdoor Education in Schools
    Speakers
    Paul Bond

    Paul Bond

    Paul is the former Chair for London & South East for the Outdoor Education Advisory Panel (OEAP) and sat on the National Executive. He has 30 years of experience in the outdoor industry in both the voluntary and the statutory sector as a practitioner and adviser. He was involved in the formulation of the British Standard for expeditions and adventurous activities (BS 8848) and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

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    Martin Chester

    Martin Chester

    Martin was formerly Chief Instructor at the National Mountain Centre at Plas-y-Brenin. He is a mountaineer of worldwide experience, and a specialist in the ways in which adventure experience improves performance, mental robustness and wellbeing. As an adviser, he conducts research, provides critical evaluation and gives guidance to National Governing Bodies across the sector.

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    Prices

    1 PLACE £219
    2 PLACES £349 
    3 PLACES £449
    ACCOMMODATION £80

    Prices exclude VAT

    Accommodation is single occupancy bed & breakfast at Plas-y-Brenin, on Thursday 7 November. Conference runs 9am – 4pm, Friday 8 November. Prices include catering and resources. All prices exclude VAT.