Curriculum Portal

neurologyYou need to know

• The three outdoor and adventurous activities studied are high ropes, outdoor rock climbing and sailing.
• Local provision serves a particular community or region, national provision operates across the UK, and voluntary provision is delivered by charities, clubs or community organisations, often using volunteers.
• A national governing body sets standards, qualifications, guidance and competition structures for an activity; the Royal Yachting Association governs sailing, while the British Mountaineering Council represents climbers and promotes climbing safety.
• A high ropes course consists of elevated obstacles and crossings that participants complete while connected to a safety system.
• Planning a high ropes activity requires consideration of health and safety, personnel, licensing or accreditation, clothing, equipment, supplies, location, time, shelter and contingency arrangements.
• Competent personnel are needed to brief participants, check equipment, supervise the activity, operate safety systems and respond to emergencies.
• Providers must check which legal requirements, licences, insurance and recognised safety standards apply because not every outdoor activity or high ropes course is covered by the same licensing arrangements.
• Suitable high ropes clothing includes close-fitting layers, secure closed-toe footwear and weather-appropriate outerwear; loose clothing, jewellery and unsecured long hair can become caught in equipment.
• A high ropes harness distributes forces around the body, a carabiner provides a secure connection, and a belay or continuous safety system protects a participant against a fall.
• High ropes equipment must be correctly fitted, compatible, inspected before use and removed from service if it is damaged or outside its approved lifespan.
• Useful supplies include drinking water, food when appropriate, first-aid materials, communication equipment, spare clothing and any medication required by participants.
• The suitability of a location depends on access, terrain, facilities, emergency vehicle access, mobile communication, environmental conditions and the needs of the group.
• Terrain and environmental hazards can include uneven or slippery ground, falling branches, unstable surfaces and difficult access for emergency services.
• Weather affects grip, visibility, body temperature and equipment performance; high winds, lightning, heavy rain, ice or extreme temperatures may require an activity to be changed, postponed or cancelled.
• A contingency plan is a prepared alternative course of action for foreseeable problems such as severe weather, equipment failure, illness, delay or site closure.
• A risk assessment identifies hazards, who may be harmed, the likelihood and severity of harm, existing control measures and any further action required.
• High ropes hazards may arise from personnel, terrain, equipment, clothing, weather and poor organisation, and control measures should reduce risk to an acceptable level.
• An emergency procedure should state how to stop the activity, raise the alarm, provide first aid, contact emergency services, account for participants and direct responders to the location.
• A rescue plan must use trained personnel, suitable rescue equipment and clear communication so that a stranded or injured participant can be recovered without creating further casualties.
• High ropes can provide physical benefits such as balance, coordination, grip strength and muscular endurance; mental benefits such as confidence, resilience and managing fear; and social benefits such as communication, trust, teamwork and mutual support.

• Research and classify high ropes, outdoor rock climbing and sailing providers as local, national or voluntary, supporting each classification with relevant evidence.
• Describe the provision for each activity by identifying the provider, location, facilities, target users, access arrangements and type of organisation.
• Select suitable clothing, equipment and technology for high ropes and explain how each item supports safe and effective participation.
• Assess how terrain, weather and climate could affect a high ropes session and recommend appropriate changes, postponement or cancellation where necessary.
• Produce a comprehensive activity plan covering personnel, permissions, location, timings, supplies, shelter, equipment and contingency arrangements.
• Complete a risk assessment by identifying activity-specific hazards, judging likelihood and severity, naming those at risk and specifying effective control measures.
• Write an emergency procedure that includes first aid, communication, rescue, participant supervision, emergency access and reporting responsibilities.
• Follow a high ropes safety briefing by wearing equipment correctly, checking connections, obeying instructor commands and using the safety system as directed.
• Explain the physical, mental and social benefits experienced during high ropes participation and how these benefits could encourage future participation.
• Evaluate personal performance using specific evidence to identify what went well, what did not go well and realistic actions for improving safety, confidence, teamwork and support.