Schools

Awards Plus works with Secondary schools in areas of multiple deprivation, with Enhanced Complex Needs/Additional Support Units, and with pupils who might benefit from our services (through our Open Programme and 1:1 Mentoring).

Age/ability-appropriate outdoor sessions working towards achieving relevant youth awards. Timeframes range from a term to an academic year (or multi-year) partnership; inputs can be from half a day to multiple days/week.

Schools recognise the value of focused, structured, engaging and enjoyable time outdoors for pupils. Learning for Sustainability is an entitlement for all learners in Scotland; there’s an expectation set out in teaching’s Professional Standards for all educators to include aspects of outdoor learning in their practice as a ‘key cross-cutting theme’. Schools increasingly prioritise sustainability, climate and outdoor learning approaches in their improvement plans. ‘Personal achievement’ is one of ‘four contexts for curriculum delivery’, an open door for using a variety of youth awards.

Schools often need additional support to deliver awards that might be of interest to pupils, to create a meaningful programme of nature-based activity, and to make curriculum links. There are many instances across Edinburgh and The Lothians of secondary school-aged pupils missing out on opportunities. Achievement of mainstream or academic qualifications by pupils is often limited. A partnership approach can identify and support opportunities to gain accredited outcomes, certificates and recognise wider achievement. In turn this can help pupils reach positive destinations on leaving school. It also contributes to the school ethos and community connections.

What’s on offer

“Funding support for enrolments, kit and some of the Bronze expedition helped to ensure our students could access DofE participation. This is our biggest barrier.”
City of Edinburgh Council School DofE Leader
“It just wouldn’t have been possible without all this support. It’s not just been practical, it’s been at all levels. Credit is especially due for having a good way with our pupils. That’s vital. The proof? They all turned up, every single one, no flakers. 32 pupils have been supported through their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award journey, cost-free, in a disadvantaged learning community. It’s an opportunity they’d never have had without this support.”
Gracemount High School teacher

Case Studies

Wester Hailes HS recipe for awards success

Trangia cooking, recipe books, magnet fishing & a canal expedition all contribute to a range of awards achievements.

Craigroyston Nature Connections

Craigroyston CHS pupils get a feather in their cap…and a range of nature awards too

Spring Strolls – Awards Plus Proxy Walks

A walk in a place for someone else, sharing a description of it with them – read about some recent walks.