2 hours per week over 4 weeks of classroom based learning. 8 hours total. 6 hours of on slope training at Kiltiernan Dry Slope. 6 hours total. 14 Hours Total.

1 hour written exam at end of the course.

This course will take place in May and June 2010.

This programme is a unique, intensive preparation course on snowsports theory, technique and teaching for those people intending to sit their level 1 ski or snowboard instructor exams.

It is specifically aimed at people who have never taught groups before and who want to become snowsports instructors. It provides candidates with the necessary tools to enable them to excel as instructors and it gives them a deep understanding of the theory and technique of skiing or snowboarding which are necessary to succeed in the instructor assessment exams.

Students will also partake in movement analysis where they watch videos of different levels of ski and snowboarders and have to then analyze their technique and construct a lesson plan that would suit the situation.

A unique add-on to this course is the opportunity to study basic French and Spanish so candidates could work in various European countries. Outings to the dry slope in Dublin with the tutor/instructor are also offered to students who wish to improve on their practical skills and technique before beginning their instructor assessment exams.

Certificate in “Level 1 Snowsports Instructor Theory” from The Learning Curve Institute

Students will be awarded with a Pass, Merit or Disctinction Certificate depending on assessment results.

To prepare students for the Level 1 ski or snowboard instructor exams. To provide students with the necessary tools and confidence needed to teach a group of adults or children safely. To deepen students understanding of ski and snowboard instruction theory. To improve candidates’ technical awareness and ability through video analysis and outings to the dry slope in Dublin.

Students will study the following topics:

1. Teaching techniques
2. Rider improvement
3. The teaching model
4. Equipment and the industry
5. Progressions for levels one and two students (beginners and novices)
6. Guest service elements
7. Teaching children
8. Class handling and safety
9. Public speaking
10. Adapting to different learning styles

Students also partake in movement analysis where they watch videos of different levels of ski and snowboarders and have to then analyze their technique and construct a lesson plan that would suit the situation.

Optional outings to the dryslope in Dublin with the instructor/tutor at an additional cost will be available to students who wish to improve their technical ability before the instructor exams.

1. To provide students with the necessary tools to succeed in the Level 1 ski or snowboard instructor exams.
2. To equip students with a deep understanding of ski and snowboarding theory, technique and teaching that will allow them to excel as snowsports instructors.
3. To prepare students for work in a mountain environment.
4. To ensure candidates are appropriately prepared to work with groups of both adults and children.
5. To provide students with in depth knowledge of the snowsports industry, equipment and working environment.

Students must be over 16 years of age at the commencement of the course. A brief description/logbook of the students skiing or snowboarding experience must be submitted with the application form. Students may be interviewed by telephone before being accepted on to the course.

Continuous Assessment – 50% Written exam – 10% Mock Lesson – 25% Movement Analysis – 15%

Post Course Support: The Learning Curve Institute offers a unique post course support system whereby students are provided with the contact details of the instructor/tutor and are free to contact him/her with any questions they may have regarding application for jobs, different resorts, the snowsports industry, progression to Level 2 etc.

Please note this course does not include the Level 1 Ski or Snowboard Assessment exams. This must be arranged separately through whichever Ski or Snowboard Association you intend to sit your exams through.

Students will each be supplied with a hardback notebook, folder and pen for the duration of the course. No other books are needed as all materials will be supplied by The Learning Curve Institute.

Any students wishing to avail of the technical practice outings to the Kilternan Dryslope must have their own skiing/snowboarding equipment or have the funds to rent the equipment upon arrival.

Castlebar, Co. Mayo Dublin City Centre Galway City Centre

Please contact The Learning Curve Institute on 098 25530 or info@thelearningcurve.ie for more information.