This video is a submission for one candidate. In this syllabus the option within Submit for Assessment to tag multiple candidates against one piece of evidence is useful to centres. Two or three candidates may be filmed at the same time performing the same skills to reduce filming length if needed and if appropriate to their skill level. The moderator comments for this video refer to the performance of one candidate only. However, scaling may have been applied to the centre as a whole when taking the performance of all candidates into account.

This candidate would be placed in the high Level 4 range.

When placing the candidate in Level 4, consider the technique and consistency in performing the skills to a good level.

Remember to check the assessment conditions at this level have been met.

show/hide  Personal Survival Moderator Comments
A. The candidate enters the water wearing trainers, trousers, T-shirt and a sweatshirt over the top. These are the clothing requirements from the Assessment Conditions when assessing a candidate in a Level 4 and above. 
B. Straddle entry into the water. The candidate's head always remains above the water. From entering the water, the candidate immediately sets off for the timed swim in his clothing. The stopwatch is clearly shown as the candidate completes the swim. The candidate achieves a time which satisfies one of the criteria needed for a Level 4. The candidate does not use the wall at the end of any length to push off. Timing is therefore considered a realistic reflection of the activity. No contact with the ends of the pool is recommended as good practice as it is reflective of a more realistic personal survival situation. 
C. Upon completion of the swim, the candidate immediately begins to remove his clothing. An ‘eggbeater kick’ is used. The candidate has a 'sitting position' in the water, his back is straight, his knees are bent and this allows his thighs to be parallel to the surface of the water. His head therefore remains relatively still and this allows him to remove his clothes without his head going under the water. One leg of the trousers inflated better than the other. 
D. The candidate immediately goes into the treading water task. Again, the eggbeater kick is used for efficiency, energy conservation and to provide a smooth action. He does hold one arm out of the water for 2 minutes, but the forearm has not been placed on top of his head. The film was cut during the middle of the treading water task but returned before the end so that the candidate’s action could be seen at the end of the task. The time on the stopwatch was recorded at different parts of the task. This activity meets the criteria for a Level 4. The transition into the next task was again very smooth. 
E. The candidate begins the distance swim. The 5 surface dives are completed on the first 3 lengths. The candidate demonstrates that he can swim strongly underwater for the required distance. The entry into the surface dive was seen, although the technique could have been more refined. Again, the stopwatch was seen several times and the swim and the video were cut at appropriate times. The candidate was seen completing the swim. The candidate completed the swim in 19 minutes 14 seconds. This time is the requirement for Level 4. A checklist was used to confirm completion of the 800 meters swim. 
F. On completion of the swim, the candidate exits the pool without any aid or the use of steps. This is a good, strong performance and the candidate placed at the top of Level 4.

Some issues seen with Personal Survival from some centres:

  • Trainers are not worn; water shoes are used instead. The requirements listed in the Coursework Guidelines Booklet state that trainers must be worn.
  • Four items of clothing are not present when awarding a Level 4 and above.
  • The activities are not filmed in the correct order that is listed in the Coursework Guidelines Booklet. This is a requirement.
  • The five surface dives are not completed as part of the distance swim; they are added after the swim.

  • The filmed evidence is edited between tasks so the transition between these cannot be seen.

Last modified: Monday, 25 March 2024, 9:37 AM