DSC2 - additional evidence

[Naseby]

While you are undertaking DSC2 and if I understand the process correctly, it's likely that.i will also be undertaking solo stalks on my ground. Now obviously the three AW stalks go in the Portfolio, but what about all the other activity? Should that be included? In a similar format? I also read somewhere that you could also submit your Deerstalking experience from the three years prior to DSC2 registration. Not sure if this has changed?

My personal situation is that I plan to gain further experience between now and the end of the year and then register giving me 2014, 2015 and 2016 to complete it. But how do I capture additional evidence and is it worth submitting? I have my own culling records, of course.

 

[Paul at Fechan]

Any evidence of your experience helps paint a better picture of you but the important part of the portfolio is with the signed off ICR's. While the raw portfolio filled in will see you 'pass' your level 2, I like to think that it's more than just a plain exercise and additional information is better when you personally want to look back over it.

 

[Naseby]

Paul,
Thanks for that. I understood that the three signed off ICRs are the most important factor.
My question really related to my other activity, for instance I took a fine Roe Buck yesterday and two more earlier in July. Should I write those up in a similar format? Would they be a relevant and worthwhile appendix? W/photos?
I'm not yet registered for DSC2, but even when I am next year I will continue solo stalking each week, as well as undertaking my AW Stalks.
​

 

[Paul at Fechan]

It would be a benefit to you yes, as in reflecting on what you did when stalking and so for preparing for L2 and being able to write up your narrative. If you read though the PC's on the ICR you can also consider how you would respond to questions relating to those areas. It's a worthwhile exercise really.

The checking of your portfolio is only concerned with the ICR's and meeting of the standards that would merit a 'pass'. I included pictures of the gralloch nodes and quality of the work to highlight what I'd done, but that was for me so that in the future when I show other candidates my portfolio they can see what was expected. The portfolio is more that just evidence to get a pass, it's your record of achievement so for you including other evidence would be rewarding for you I'm sure.

 

[Naseby]

It would be a benefit to you yes, as in reflecting on what you did when stalking and so for preparing for L2 and being able to write up your narrative. If you read though the PC's on the ICR you can also consider how you would respond to questions relating to those areas. It's a worthwhile exercise really.

The portfolio is more that just evidence to get a pass, it's your record of achievement so for you including other evidence would be rewarding for you I'm sure.

Paul,
Thanks for response. I'm now looking at this differently as a result of your answers, especially the points above.
Thanks again

 

[Tackleberry270]

I am prepared to stand corrected but I don't think the assessors want to be sent a bundle of additional cull records all written up in DSC2 format. There is an opportunity in the front of the portfolio where you can detail your experience and rough number of deer culled. It would be a benefit to you to keep a record or diary or your own stalks/culls and to include an example of this in your portfolio. When I did mine I included an example of a female and male cull record card that I fill out for every deer I cull for the deer management organisation I am a member of.



.....just re-read pauls post and I think he is saying roughly the same thing

 

[roe2506]

Do an excell spreadsheet on your computer as a cull report. This details everything,dates,times,weather,sex etc. Very easy and neat and easy to include in your assessment portfolio.

 

[Naseby]

Do an excell spreadsheet on your computer as a cull report. This details everything,dates,times,weather,sex etc. Very easy and neat and easy to include in your assessment portfolio.

​Many thanks, that would seem like an appropriate solution.

 

[redstag01]

The assessor s don't want any extra papers and in particular pictures,it could be any one ,stick to the 3 and don't bother with others,I'm an aw and we were told this at last meeting we went to.

 

[Paul at Fechan]

yeh but it's the candidates portfolio, it's very true that there's no gold stars but the assessors can put up with a little sorting, after all they take long enough

 

[JabaliHunter]

I think there is a danger that people focus too much on the cull records and additional evidence, often overlooking the importance of the answers to the PC questions which are there to help demonstrate knowledge and practical application of best practice.

 

[Overlay]

The portfolio for L2 is or has been constructed to allow stand alone assessment for three complete stalks, DMQ ask for an overview of your past experience in the beginning of the portfolio to assist in the assessment overall

On completion of the three stalks, Gralloch inspection and associated work this will show you as competant and efficient in all areas complying to good practice. These are the bits that really count

Overloading the portfolio with paperwork irrelevant to the main criteria would or could be seen as confusing and or steering away from a proven track.

By all means give an overview but really concentrate on the write ups and content, method of application and clarity to the portfolio to show you can operate in a good manner required to be a competant, safe and hygienic hunter, the portfolio, is overall, an excellent document to ensure each applicant can comply to the standards required, the AW is witness to the fact you can do what your write up says you can do, keep it plain, detailed and true account and the rest is history as they say

Atb


Phil

 

[Paul at Fechan]

by the same token, why have a 4 day dsc1 when all you need is two....

 

[JC275]

by the same token, why have a 4 day dsc1 when all you need is two....

I know that your question is tounge in cheek but, for the benefit of anyone new to the scene, the answer is simple. DSC1 is about learning new skills and gaining knowledge, DSC2 is only about demonstrating the skills and knowledge that you already have.

 

[stalkinginengland]

I am an AW and guide my candidates to build a picture of what they have done. i had a phone call from an assessor last week who reckoned he had never seen a port folio as good. In short follow what paul i saying and if you like PM me your phone number and I Will be happy to give you some pointers

​Mark

 

[Monkey Spanker]

Just stick with the three AW stalks mate. Anything else is wasted effort. Anything over 3 years old is invalid.
MS

 

[dave1372]

Just stick with the three AW stalks mate. Anything else is wasted effort. Anything over 3 years old is invalid.
MS

You have hit the nail on the head .

 

[Robbo617]

have just handed in my L2 for assessment and as my last AW was also an assessor he had a quick squint over the portfolio before I sent it away. The impression I got was the quality rather than the quantity of evidence was what was important, and stuff that has no witness present isn't worth a great deal. As long as those 3 ICR's are completed correctly (there are certain questions the AW's are required to ask for each ICR, and have to be answered correctly by the candidate) as well as having a good overall coverage of questions from the question bank across the 3 ICR's, again answered correctly, then there isn't really much else required. I don't think it would hurt to put any additional evidence in, but bear in mind the space they give you to this under "previous experience" - its only an A4 page at the end of the day. hope this helps
Rob

 

[Naseby]

RoB
Thanks for response, I understand what's required and expected in that section now and perhaps as importantly what's not! I will keep it concise and avoid any extraneous information.
Best of luck with your own DSC2, hope you don't have to wait too long for confirmation
​naseby

 

[roestalker]

RoB
Thanks for response, I understand what's required and expected in that section now and perhaps as importantly what's not! I will keep it concise and avoid any extraneous information.
Best of luck with your own DSC2, hope you don't have to wait too long for confirmation
​naseby

Naseby hello,

You have it, concise, only what is required with no extraneous additions.

Good luck and best regards.

Jon.