Skills

Encourages the development of personal interests and practical skills

In consultation with your Award Leader you should pick a hobby or practical skill activity that interests you. This can be something completely new, or it may be an activity of which you already have some knowledge. Once you have chosen the skill, you should discuss it with your Assessor who will help you to set yourself challenging, realistic targets to achieve.

Examples of skills:

Ballroom & Latin Dancing
Archery
Driving
Debating
Sailing
Karate
Music
Learning a new language
Learning how to sew
Leadership and Communication Skills

Time requirements:

Bronze – at least 3 months or 6 months if chosen as a Major Section
Silver – at least 6 months
Gold – at least 12 months

Please remember that these are the minimum time requirements. You are encouraged to continue your activities beyond the minimum time to achieve your own personal goals.

Participants are encouraged to complete at least 1 hour per week of activity.

Activities should be pursued in your own time - outside of regular school, university or work hours

Depending on its nature, an activity may fall under either Skill or Physical Recreation. You should discuss the activity with your Award Leader and Assessor to determine where is more suitable.

Direct Silver or Direct Gold entrants are required to complete an additional 6 months of activy for at least one Award section

Assessment

Assessment is undertaken by a suitably experienced and/or qualified Assessor (Volunteer) who has been nominated by the Award Unit or identified by the Participant, and approved by their Award Leader.
Please note that the selected Skill activity may require Assessors to be qualified or registered with a relevant club, institution or accredited organization.
In most circumstances an Assessor should not be an immediate family member.
Assessors both help Participants set goals for their chosen activity and assess whether or not a Participant has undertaken the required regular effort and has strived to achieve their goals. Group activities are to be assessed with regard to each individual’s contribution to planning, execution and completion.
Assessors are responsible for writing the final assessment report and signing off the Section which they are assessing. The frequency of the contact and monitoring between the Participant and the Assessor will depend on the activity and the age/level of independence of the Participant.