NNAS Straight to Silver

11th April 2023

If you’re interested in developing your navigation skills and taking your outdoor adventures to the next level, the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) and the NNAS Straight to Silver course is an excellent place to start. The NNAS is a nationally recognised certification scheme for navigation skills in the UK, aimed at walkers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who want to improve their navigation skills.

The NNAS Straight to Silver course is designed for those who already have some navigation experience and want to skip the Bronze level of the NNAS. This course provides a comprehensive and structured approach to improving your navigation skills and knowledge, leading to the Silver level certification.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the NNAS Straight to Silver course in detail. We’ll cover everything from the course content and structure to the assessment and certification process. We’ll also provide tips on how to prepare for the course and answer some common questions about the program.

Whether you’re an experienced walker or just starting out, the NNAS Straight to Silver course is an excellent opportunity to improve your navigation skills and gain recognition for your achievements. Let’s dive in!

Introduction to NNAS and the Straight to Silver Award

The National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) is a UK-based certification program that aims to develop and promote navigation skills for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and mountaineering. The scheme is suitable for all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced navigators, and offers a structured approach to learning and improving navigation skills.

The NNAS is divided into three levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – with each level building upon the previous one. The Bronze level is the entry-level certification, while the Silver level is the intermediate level, and the Gold level is the advanced level. Participants who successfully complete the requirements of each level receive a certificate and badge.

The Straight to Silver course is a comprehensive and structured approach to improving navigation skills and knowledge, designed for individuals who already have some navigation experience and want to skip the Bronze level of the NNAS. The course provides participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate safely and competently in countryside terrain using a map and compass.

The NNAS Straight to Silver course covers the same content as the Bronze level, but in greater depth and detail. It includes modules on map interpretation, compass work, route planning, and navigation strategies. The course also includes practical sessions where participants can apply their learning in the field, under the guidance of a qualified instructor.

Overview of the NNAS (National Navigational Award Scheme)

The NNAS has three levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level builds upon the previous one and covers a range of skills and knowledge related to navigation. The Bronze level is an entry-level certification, aimed at individuals with little or no navigation experience. The Silver level is an intermediate certification, aimed at individuals who have some navigation experience and want to develop their skills further. The Gold level is an advanced certification, aimed at individuals who have extensive navigation experience and want to develop their skills to an expert level.

Participating in the NNAS has several benefits, including:

Structured learning: The NNAS provides a structured approach to learning navigation skills, allowing participants to progress through the levels at their own pace.
Recognition: Successfully completing an NNAS level results in a certificate and badge, providing recognition of the participant’s achievements.
Confidence: Developing navigation skills can increase confidence in outdoor activities, allowing individuals to explore the countryside safely and responsibly.
Safety: Navigation skills are essential for safe outdoor activities. The NNAS helps participants develop the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate safely in the countryside.
Preparation: The NNAS provides participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake more challenging outdoor activities, such as hillwalking, mountaineering, and orienteering.

In the next section, we’ll discuss the Straight to Silver course in more detail.

Overview of the NNAS Straight to Silver Course

The NNAS Straight to Silver course is a comprehensive and structured approach to improving navigation skills and knowledge, designed for individuals who already have some navigation experience and want to skip the Bronze level of the NNAS. The course aims to develop participants’ navigation skills to a level where they can safely and competently navigate in countryside terrain using a map and compass.

The objectives of the Straight to Silver course are to provide participants with:

The necessary skills and knowledge to navigate safely and competently in countryside terrain using a map and compass.
The ability to plan and execute a route in countryside terrain, taking into account weather, terrain, and other factors.
An understanding of navigation strategies and techniques for different terrain types.
Confidence in their navigation abilities.

To be eligible for the NNAS Straight to Silver course, participants must have some previous navigation experience. This can include experience gained through outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, or mountaineering, or through formal navigation training. Participants should be comfortable with basic navigation concepts such as map reading, compass bearings, and route planning.

Participating in the NNAS Straight to Silver course has several benefits, including:

Skip the Bronze level: The course allows participants to skip the Bronze level of the NNAS, saving time and money.
Advanced learning: The Straight to Silver course covers the same content as the Bronze level, but in greater depth and detail, providing advanced learning opportunities.
Expert guidance: Participants receive expert guidance from qualified instructors, allowing them to develop their navigation skills to a high standard.
Improved confidence: The course provides participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate safely and competently in countryside terrain using a map and compass, leading to improved confidence in outdoor activities.
Certification: Successfully completing the course results in a Silver level certificate and badge, providing recognition of the participant’s achievements.

In the next section, we’ll discuss the content and structure of the NNAS Straight to Silver course.

NNAS Straight to Silver Course Content and Structure

The Straight to Silver course is divided into several modules, covering a range of navigation skills and knowledge. These modules include:

Understanding maps: Participants learn how to read and interpret Ordnance Survey maps, including symbols, contours, and scales.
Using a compass: Participants learn how to use a compass to take bearings, calculate and follow routes, and orientate maps.
Planning routes: Participants learn how to plan a route using a map and compass, taking into account terrain, weather, and other factors.
Navigation strategies: Participants learn a range of navigation strategies and techniques for different terrain types, including open moorland, forest, and urban areas.
Night navigation: Participants learn how to navigate in low light conditions using a headtorch and other equipment.

The Straight to Silver course is typically delivered over two or three days, with a mix of classroom-based theory sessions and practical outdoor navigation exercises. The course is delivered by qualified instructors who provide expert guidance and support throughout the course.

Participants are required to demonstrate their navigation skills and knowledge through a series of practical assessments, including route planning, compass work, and navigation in challenging terrain. These assessments are designed to ensure that participants have developed the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate safely and competently in countryside terrain using a map and compass.

The Straight to Silver course covers a range of navigation skills and knowledge, including:

Understanding Ordnance Survey maps and symbols.
Calculating and following compass bearings.
Planning and executing a route in countryside terrain.
Using navigation strategies and techniques for different terrain types.
Navigating in low light conditions.
Understanding weather and its impact on navigation.
Understanding emergency procedures in case of getting lost or injured.
Developing the necessary confidence and decision-making skills for safe and effective navigation.

In the next section, we’ll discuss the benefits of the NNAS Straight to Silver course and the NNAS in general.

Assessment and Certification

The NNAS Straight to Silver course involves both formative and summative assessment. Formative assessment takes place throughout the course, with instructors providing feedback and guidance to participants as they develop their navigation skills and knowledge.

Summative assessment takes place at the end of the course, with participants required to demonstrate their navigation skills and knowledge through a series of practical assessments. These assessments are designed to ensure that participants have developed the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate safely and competently in countryside terrain using a map and compass.

To pass the assessment, participants must demonstrate a range of navigation skills and knowledge, including:

Understanding Ordnance Survey maps and symbols.
Calculating and following compass bearings.
Planning and executing a route in countryside terrain.
Using navigation strategies and techniques for different terrain types.
Navigating in low light conditions.
Understanding weather and its impact on navigation.
Understanding emergency procedures in case of getting lost or injured.
Demonstrating confidence and decision-making skills for safe and effective navigation.

Successful candidates receive a certificate from the National Navigation Award Scheme, indicating that they have achieved the Silver level. This certificate is recognised by a range of outdoor organisations, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Scout Association.

In addition to certification, successful candidates will have developed the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate safely and competently in countryside terrain using a map and compass. This can enhance their outdoor experiences and open up new opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure.

Conclusion

The NNAS Straight to Silver course is a great opportunity for individuals with some prior navigation experience to further develop their skills and knowledge in a structured and supportive environment. The National Navigation Award Scheme provides a comprehensive framework for navigation training and certification, with the Straight to Silver course offering a direct route to the Silver level.

Participants who undertake the Straight to Silver course will benefit from a range of practical navigation skills and knowledge, as well as increased confidence and safety when navigating in countryside terrain. Pre-course preparation and practice activities can help participants get the most out of the course, while the assessment process provides a clear benchmark for achievement.

If you are looking to develop your navigation skills and achieve certification at the Silver level of the National Navigation Award Scheme, we highly recommend registering for the Straight to Silver course. With experienced and knowledgeable instructors, a supportive learning environment, and a comprehensive curriculum, the course provides an excellent opportunity for navigation training and development. Don’t hesitate to take the next step in your navigation journey and register for the NNAS Straight to Silver course today!

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