Single Pitch Award Assessment

The assessment takes place over two days and follows the Single Pitch Award syllabus. This is mainly a practical assessment with some theory sessions in the evening. Our aim is to create an environment of assessment in which candidates can show their best. Candidates are advised to prepare fully and refer to the " SPA Handbook" so that they can gain most benefit from the weekend. A formal review and individual results are given on the final afternoon.

Pre-requisites for assessment

Assessment pays a lot of attention to the log book and cannot be made without a suitably informative record of your past experience. Don't forget your log book! Please make sure that you comply with all of the following:

Log Book

Record of training course or evidence of exemption.
Logbook pages showing experience since training, including.
A minimum of 40 climbs outdoors, some of which are of Severe grade.
A minimum of 20 supervising sessions.
Personal profile page is completed.

First Aid

Check that your first aid certificate is current and acceptable to the MLTUK
Bring your original certificate with you on the course.

Assessment Content

This two day assessment, including an evening session, will be based closely on the syllabus requirements. Assessment will include practical, written and oral examination.

The programme may be revised at short notice to take account of weather and other considerations, in such a way as to satisfy the spirit and detail of the Single Pitch Award syllabus.
The two days are generally split into the following areas:

The environment

Current access and conservation issues
Understanding of how to minimise our impact on the crag environment
Knowledge of different rock types, and fauna and flora

Bouldering

Group Management
Introducing climbing through bouldering
Teaching/coaching a particular technique
Bouldering as training
Common injury and avoidance
Awareness of hazards

Local crag

Personal lead climbing at Severe grade
Choice of suitable route(s) for novice climbers
Set up bottom roping system
Set up top roping system
Assessment of anchor placements and rigging methods
Set up abseil and safeguard, as appropriate
Awareness of hazards, safety and group control
Different abseil devices
Solving stuck climber problem
Solving stuck abseiler problem
Tying on to rope, use of harness and helmets

Climbing wall environment

Group supervision
Hazards in a climbing wall
Warming up/stretching/warming down
Bouldering activities
Ropes climbing - top roping - belay technique, as appropriate
Coaching climbing technique

The day begins with breakfast and collection of packed lunches at 7:30am. After an 8:30am briefing we commence the day about 9:00am returning from a full day of activity for tea and cakes by 5pm. Some evenings there will be a further session, usually classroom based, at 5.30pm. Dinner is normally at about 7pm, and on some nights there will be a further talks at 8pm.

The Venues

The venues used in South Wales are normally either one of the Scout Association Centres which include; Dolygaer, Ty-Hir, or Penrhiwvarteg, or one of the Hampshire County Council Centres at Heol Senni, or Argoed Lwyd. These centres are all within or in the case of Penrhiwvarteg on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The venues used in North Wales are normally either one of the Scout Association Centres which include; The Old School at Penybontfawr, The Old School Lodge at Deiniolen, Coetmor Mill, Yr Hen Neuedd, Cornel, and Yr Hafod. These centres are all in the more rugged mountains of North Wales.

The crags of Wales provide ideal ground for this award.

The Accommodation

Accommodation varies between the centres but all the centres provide, multiple toilets and shower rooms, a large kitchen that conforms to food safety standards and a dining room. In addition some centres have a further lounge, ideal for lectures or socialising.

Breakfast and dinner are served each day in the centre, except for the expedition. Each night there is a main course and dessert (including vegetarian option - if pre booked). Each morning bread, fruit, cake and biscuits etc. will be laid out, for you to make up a packed lunch.

Equipment

Candidates are expected to provide all of their own equipment, with the exception of ropes.You should bring normal clothing and equipment suited to climbing on British crags.