Expedition

Rationale

The expedition, a journey with a goal, is seen by many to be a metaphor for life. As such it occupies a central theme in much of outdoor education, allowing opportunities for challenge, leadership, teamwork and independence. In addition to the exploration of self and relationships with others, there is of course an implicit geographical and environmental exploration.

The ability to plan and execute an expedition into an unfamiliar area involves many skills which are of great value to all outdoor education leaders and teachers.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course students will:

demonstrate a familiarity with the place of expeditions in outdoor education programmes and the potential for mounting them;
show an understanding of the planning practices necessary for the successful organisation of expeditions to local and distant venues;
have been intimately involved in the planning of an expedition to a location little known to the participants;
show a practical awareness of environmental issues in the planning and conduct of the expedition;
have executed the expedition aims safely within the limits of the planning parameters;
develop appropriate skills in risk assessments appropriate to an outdoor context;
reflect on expedition experiences and critically analyse achievements.

Teaching, Learning & Assessment Strategies

A staff-led discussion on the planning and execution of the expedition will provide the context for the group to begin the planning phase. Students will then lead the process with staff input only when necessary. Staff will comment on and agree a final plan for the expedition and throughout the process will be mindful of the group-process and safety considerations and the intended learning outcomes. The report is intended to be a collaborative effort on the part of all participants.

Indicative Content

Conceptualising an expedition appropriate to meet the expectations of the programme and the skills and competencies of the students involved;
Employing appropriate decision making tactics within the group to ensure equity;
Use of such an approach during the planning and execution phases of the expedition;
Use of risk assessment techniques, both for group safety and environmental considerations;
Self and group assessment techniques appropriate for the review of the expedition;
Use of review outcomes in preparing the expedition report.
Technical aspects of report writing.

Assessment

Through discussion there should be critical reflection on experiences with analysis of individual contributions to team performance; the criteria being provided by the learning outcomes.
The preparation (by the group) of a full report on the planning and conduct of the expedition which is factual, reflective and creative.
A CD copy of the expedition report.

Credit Rating

No credit weighting