Re: MLA
Summer Assessment.
Thank you
for applying for a place on the Mountain Leadership Award run by WLA.
Enclosed are joining instructions and other course information. It is
important that you understand what is required of you and what criteria
you must fulfil. In line with MLTE guidelines you must ensure you have:
1.
Registered with the MLTE or relevant board (used to be called MLTB).
2.
Completed a training course (or gained exemption).
3. Hold a
currently valid Certificate in First Aid as recognised by the Board.
4.
Provide a fully completed logbook of experience. This should include
evidence of a broad depth of hill walking and lightweight camping
experience as leader, assistant and group member. This experience must
have been gained in 3 different mountain regions, with a minimum of 30
named peaks over 600 metres ascended over a period of at least 40 full
days with a minimum of 8 overnight camps, each in a different location.
5. Be
fully conversant with the current syllabus of the relevant mountain
board. Go to
http://www.mltb.org/Syllabus8Edition.htm
6. You
must be 18 years of age.
Logbooks
are submitted during the introduction of the assessment, or before if
possible. If the above requirements are not met then you will not be
able to take part in this assessment. I hope this clarifies the
situation and there will be no misunderstandings to marr the running of
what is intended to be a positive and enjoyable week. If you have any
problems with the above please contact me directly
Candidates often become over-stressed during assessment primarily due to
lack of study and preparation. Take the time to gather your personal
equipment together and get some navigational and rope work practise in.
In particular, navigate at night and in poor conditions and practise
tying your knots well and setting up simple belay systems. Run through
the decision making process of when to put on the rope using “what
happens if”. If you don’t practise you won’t be able to do it. Aim to
present yourself as someone who knows what they are doing in a
reasonable and competent manner. Above all, cover all aspects of the
syllabus.
I look
forward to being out doors with you.
Yours
sincerely
Bill
Beynon
Course
Director
SUGGESTED
KIT LIST
Candidates for assessment are required to bring their own equipment. And
should have knowledge of its use. There is no need to bring
ropes.
Suggested
List (it is up to you).
MAPS
1x 50,000
Map of Snowdonia area 115/116 os
1x 25,000
Outdoor Leisure Snowdonia National Park and surrounding areas.
Personal
Equipment
Water
Proof Jacket & Water proof Over Trousers
Bobble
Hat & Gloves
Spare
Clothing
Head
Torch - Spare Bulbs & Battery
Expedition Sac & Large Day Sack
Whistle &
Emergency B Bag
Drink
Bottle
Sleeping
Bag & Karrimat
Boots and
Gaiters
Tents
Stove &
Knife, fork, spoon and mug
Billies
Wash kit
Money
Camera
Helmet &
sling and crab
etc
Group
Equipment
Gisu
etc
MLTE Assessment Notes for Candidates
These notes are provided for guidelines only; the candidate is advised
to determine the exact assessment criteria before the commencement of
the course.
Navigation
- Candidates should know their location at all times, even if they are
not being assessed. They should be able to take over the leadership of
the party without having to ask their position. Timing of each leg
should be accurate to + or - 10%.
Compass Work
- This should be accurate to + or - 2% for compass use (e.g. Lifting
bearings from the map, resections or following a bearing).
Rope Work
- This is often the weakest point of many candidates. Knowing when to
use the rope is an important criterion of assessment. The safe
management of the party on steep ground, e.g. Leader and group position
is also an important area for candidates to consider. River crossings
will be attempted if there is a chance. The leader will be assessed on
their ability to lower the group safety over a different area and at the
same time get themselves safely down. Knots that will be necessary to
know are the bowline, triple bowline and figure of 8 - however, your
assessor may require you to be familiar with additional ones. The ‘short
lead’ or ‘dog lead’ is a technique you may be assessed on, although this
skill is not mentioned in Langmuir it is covered in Hill waking. The
hand line is now not a requirement of the training syllabus- so any hand
lines set up will have to be looked at carefully to see if more
efficient rope handling technique could have been used. Belay selection
often tends to be a weak point of candidates, look for good belays that
are not loose.
Camping Skills
- The candidate should be capable to look after themselves efficiently
whilst camping in all weather conditions.
Mountain Rescue
- Candidates should have a rudimentary knowledge of the Mountain Rescue
set up, and be able to assist on a rescue. They should be also able to
deal with minor injuries to party members in an efficient and safe
manner. During the assessment you can expect to be questioned on your
first aid knowledge.
Theory
- Weather (at present a debatable area), Mountain Safety, General
Knowledge of Mountaineering, Mountain Access and Conservation/Access.
Candidates should be able to discuss these topics in a knowledgeable
way.
Party Leadership
- Candidates are not assessed on teaching skills. Your technical skills
are the main area of assessment, however it is difficult to divorce
these from leadership. The main consideration is that it is quite easy
to assess UNSAFE LEADERSHIP.
