Assessment Type 2: Experiences in Natural Environments

10 dot points, in syllabus order. Each dot point has a focused answer, with exam-style questions and worked answers where available.

How do you navigate accurately and safely through an Australian natural environment using a map, compass and modern tools?

Apply navigation skills, including map reading, compass use, bearings and the responsible use of GPS, to travel safely through natural environments.

Practical navigation for outdoor journeys, covering topographic map reading, contours, grid references, compass use, taking and following bearings, pacing and timing, and the responsible use of GPS.

7 min read →

How do you assess and manage risk so that an outdoor journey is safe without losing its challenge and value?

Conduct a risk assessment for an outdoor activity, identifying hazards and applying control measures to manage risk.

How to assess and manage risk in outdoor activities, covering hazards, likelihood and consequence, the risk matrix, control measures, dynamic risk assessment and the balance between safety and challenge.

7 min read →

How do you interpret forecasts and read conditions in the field to make safe decisions on an outdoor journey?

Interpret weather forecasts and field observations to anticipate conditions and make safe decisions during an outdoor journey.

How to interpret weather for safe journeys, covering reading forecasts and synoptic charts, recognising signs of change in the field, the hazards of heat, cold, wind, storms and rising water, fire danger ratings, and using weather information for dynamic decision-making.

7 min read →

How can outdoor users travel and camp in natural environments while doing the least possible harm to them?

Apply and evaluate minimal impact and Leave No Trace practices when planning and undertaking outdoor journeys in Australian natural environments.

How to travel and camp with the least harm to natural environments, covering the principles of minimal impact and Leave No Trace, waste and human waste management, campsite selection, fire and track use, and how to apply and evaluate these practices on journeys.

7 min read →

How do leadership style, group dynamics and sound decision-making shape a safe and positive outdoor experience?

Demonstrate appropriate leadership styles, facilitation and decision-making while leading an activity or journey in a natural environment.

Outdoor leadership styles, group dynamics, facilitation, communication and decision-making, and how leaders match their approach to the group, conditions and situation when leading a journey.

7 min read →

What technical skills and equipment does a safe, self-reliant outdoor journey require, and how do you choose them for the environment and activity?

Demonstrate and evaluate the technical skills and equipment selection appropriate to a chosen outdoor activity and environment.

How to choose and use the technical skills and equipment for outdoor journeys, covering clothing and shelter systems, packing, activity-specific gear for bushwalking and paddling, equipment care and the principle of selecting gear for the activity, environment and conditions.

7 min read →

How do groups develop on an outdoor journey, and how can interpersonal skills keep a group safe, effective and positive?

Analyse how group dynamics develop during outdoor journeys and apply interpersonal skills such as communication, conflict resolution and teamwork to support the group.

How groups develop and function on outdoor journeys, covering stages of group development, roles, cohesion, communication, conflict resolution and teamwork, and how interpersonal skills support safety and effectiveness in natural environments.

7 min read →

How do you plan food, water and logistics so that a multi-day outdoor journey is fuelled, organised and self-sufficient?

Plan and evaluate the food, nutrition, water and logistical arrangements needed to sustain a group on a multi-day outdoor journey.

How to plan food, water and logistics for multi-day journeys, covering energy and nutrition needs, menu planning, weight and packaging, water sourcing and treatment, ration and fuel calculations, food hygiene and the logistics of a self-sufficient expedition.

7 min read →

How do you prepare for and respond to emergencies on a remote outdoor journey where help may be hours or days away?

Plan for and demonstrate appropriate emergency response and first aid procedures for an outdoor journey in a remote Australian environment.

How to prepare for and respond to emergencies on remote journeys, covering emergency action plans, the primary survey and DRSABCD, common outdoor injuries and illnesses, communication devices, evacuation decisions and the challenges of delayed help in remote Australian environments.

7 min read →

How do you plan and manage a safe, sustainable multi-day journey in an Australian natural environment?

Plan, organise and manage an outdoor journey, including logistics, food, equipment, route choice and contingency planning.

How to plan and manage a safe, sustainable multi-day journey in an Australian environment, covering aims, route choice, logistics, food and equipment, group organisation, and contingency planning.

7 min read →