Skills Section: Basics

The aim of the Skills section is to encourage the discovery and development of practical and social skills and personal interests. It offers young people a wide choice depending upon their personal preferences, abilities and the opportunities available. The skill may be an existing interest or something entirely new.

Aim of the Skills Section

To encourage the discovery and development of practical and social skills and personal interests.

The Principles

This Section should encourage young people to pursue activities within a wide range of practical, cultural and social environments. The Skills Section offers young people a wide choice depending upon their personal preferences, abilities and the opportunities available. The skill may be an existing interest or something entirely new.

Benefits to Young People

Although the specific benefits to young people depend on the choice made, the Skills Section should provide opportunities to:

• develop practical and social skills by working alongside enthusiastic individuals who share their skills and knowledge

• meet new people

• organise and manage time

• discover how to research information through communication with the instructor or mentor, using the internet, libraries and other resources, making appropriate contacts in the community and identifying other sources of help and guidance

• set and respond to a challenge by developing an existing interest or trying something new

• work with others to build relationships, gain benefit from their knowledge, appreciate their a mutual interest

• enjoy sharing an activity with adults and peers

• discover new talents

Requirements

Participants should follow an activity and show progression and sustained interest over a period of time, leading to a deeper knowledge of the subject and the attainment of an increased degree of skill.

The time requirements for this Section are set out elsewhere on this site.

The Process

• INITIAL BRIEFING: The period of involvement should start with an initial briefing with an appropriate instructor/mentor/supervisor.

• MONITORING PROGRESS: Goals and progress should be monitored at periodic intervals throughout the duration of the activity and revised accordingly.

• FINAL REVIEW: When the skill, progress and quality of experience are reviewed prior to both the assessor and participant completing the Record Book.