The NNAS Tutor Award is a 1 day (8 hour) course for anyone who wants to teach the NNAS Navigator Awards. It can also be useful to those working towards leadership qualifications such as the Lowland Leader, Hill and Moorland Leader or Mountain Leader.
Launched in 2016, the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) Tutor Award was created to recognise that just because one can personally navigate, it doesn’t follow that one can teach it.
On this one day course, you’ll look at different methods for teaching navigation to beginners from simple games to learning strategies. You’ll see how a Bronze Navigator Award course can be delivered and learn more about the Navigator Awards and the NNAS itself.
Successful completion of the NNAS Tutor Award will also enable (after approval by NNAS) those without a higher hill or mountain walking qualification, but with experience and interest in the outdoors, to help teach on a Bronze award under the guidance of a registered NNAS Course Director. They will be called “Bronze Tutors”. In this case, once the NNAS Tutor Award is completed, an application by email to the NNAS must be made and approved before that person assists on Bronze courses.
The course is a mixture of indoor and outdoor practical sessions and offers the opportunity for candidates to discuss their own methodology as well as learning new techniques from others.
Successful completion of the NNAS Tutor Award also counts for one CPD point for qualified Mountain Training Association Members.
The day begins with a short ‘classroom’ session over breakfast at The Penny Pot Cafe in Edale in the heart of the Peak District. This is a great opportunity to pick up the new skills you’ll need for when you head out to continue the learning in the local hills. The end of the day finishes with cake back at the cafe whilst the group recaps the day.
We’ll meet on the benches around the back of The Penny Pot Cafe at Edale Station.
Thanks for booking on this course. This document contains some important information so please read it thoroughly and get in touch if there’s anything you’re not sure about.
Register with NNAS (you may already be registered from a previous course).
The course is validated by the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) so you'll need to register with them. Click here to create an account on the NNAS Candidate Management System. It only takes a couple of minutes. We'll then be notified of your registration and can add you to the course.
Where do we need to meet?
We’ll meet on the benches around the back of the Penny Pot Cafe at Edale Station. Edale’s car parks are all within a minute or so’s walk. The cafe will be open so you can get a nice warm drink and some cake to start off the day! They also have bits you can buy for lunch too. We’ll spend the first and last couple of hours of the day sat outside at the cafe so be sure to have an extra warm coat with you for this element of the day.
The main car park in Edale can be found at:
Parking in the main car park costs £6 for the day and can be paid in pound coins or using the PayByPhone app (beware - mobile signal can be sketchy). It can be busy over summer weekends and if it’s full when you get here you can find alternate parking at the railway station and in local farmers’ fields (look out for signs). As always, please try to car share where possible.
There are toilets in the car park but their opening times cannot be guaranteed. There are no other facilities nearby so be sure to bring everything with you.
What time should we be there?
The course will start at 9am. Please aim to arrive a little earlier to give you time to get ready. We usually finish before 5pm allowing time for lunch.
What do we need to bring with us?
You'll need outdoor kit for a whole day in the hills whatever the weather! If you have maps for the area then please bring them along but no need to go out and buy any especially. Local maps include Ordnance Survey 1:25 000 Explorer map for the Dark Peak area (OL1), OS 1:50 000 Landranger (110) and Harvey Peak District Central map. If you have a compass, then please bring that too. It's always good to have a variety of maps and compasses to play with. If you need reading glasses, bring them along too otherwise you might struggle reading the map!
Remember to bring enough food and drink with you to last the whole day.
There’s a full kit list below. Please have a look at the weather before setting off and dress accordingly. Better to have an extra fleece and woolly hat in your bag just in case. Remember we’ll be outdoors all day in all weathers so be sure to have the right gear. If it’s looking wet then keeping spares clothes to change into in your car is also a good idea.
What do we do if something goes wrong on the day?
If you’re running late or get lost or need to stop to use the toilet on your way, don’t worry. Please call/WhatsApp Simon on 01248 614120 to keep him updated.
Do we need to let you know about any medical issues?
Yes please. If there's something you think your instructor should be aware of please get in touch or have a quiet word on the day.
What if we still have a question?
Please get in touch and ask and I’ll happily help. You can email me at hello@mountainxperience.uk or call/WhatsApp me on 01248 614120.
View MountainXperience Candidate Info Notice.pdf
View Guidance for the Tutor Award and Employment of NNAS Bronze Tutors.pdf