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| The International Award at BSL |
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| Young people are our future. Developing them to their full potential is a top priority. One practical way to develop this huge reservoir of talent is through participation in the Award." |
The International Award is the international version of the British Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The International Award is an exciting programme which is aimed at motivating young people to become involved in a variety of activities that offer self development, exciting challenges and community awareness and cooperation.
Here at BSL we currently offer both the bronze and silver award. We are hoping to begin the gold award soon. We are very pleased that this year 50 students have chosen to take part in the award! It will be a very busy year! |
The award is divided into four sections: |
• Physical Recreation: Students improve their personal physical performance through the training and practice of their chosen sport.
• Skill: Students develop a personal interest or practical skill.
• Service: Students undertake an activity that benefits others in the wider community.
• An Adventurous Journey |
| “Joining the Award was one of the best decisions I’ve made. My participation in the Gold Award has provided me with many learning opportunities and new experiences. In the process, it has allowed me to forge new friendships and rebuild my self-confidence.” |
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Skills: Try something new! Here are a few ideas to help you choose your skill… |
• Learn to play a musical instrument
• Sing!
• Dance (salsa, ballet, classical, modern etc)
• Choir
• Drama and theatre
• Art (Weaving, decoration, ceramics, knitting, embroidery, flower arranging, glass painting, illustrations, fine art, calligraphy, drawing, photography, sculpture, carving, leatherwork etc)
• Cookery
• First Aid
• Astronomy
• Bird Watching
• Conservation
• Gardening and Horticulture
• Languages
• Media studies (News paper production)
• Fishing
• Horse Riding and Care
• Refereeing
• Information Technology
• Archery
• Canoeing
• Sailing
• Driving
• Public Speaking and Debating
• Young enterprise
• Rock climbing
• Chess |
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| Physical Recreation: Here are a few ideas to help you choose your sport… |
• Basketball
• Dance
• Football
• Golf
• Gym
• Horse riding
• Karate
• Tennis
• Swimming
• Volleyball
• Table Tennis
• Hockey
• Badminton |
| “As an employer I often look for something that will distinguish an applicant from other candidates. When I see that someone has participated in the Award I immediately prioritise that candidate. The Award demonstrates the qualities of leadership, initiative and social conscience that I am looking for in my employees.” |
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| The International Award Adventurous Journey Kit List |
| Expedition Teams should carry all their equipment and food to enable them to operate in a self-sufficient way. These are the items you will need when undertaking an International Award Expedition for any level of Award. |
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| By the Group: |
• Tents*
• Trangia Stoves + Fuel Bottles*
• Maps*
• Compasses*
• Whistles*
• First aid kit*
• Mobile Telephone (Only to be used in an emergency + emergency contact numbers)
• Food/snacks for the entire journey |
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| Personal Equipment |
• Large Rucksack* (approximately 55-65 liter capacity)
• Rucksack Liner (or plastic bags)
• Sleeping Mat*
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Bag Liner or sheet (useful for when it is too hot)
• Small Wash Kit
• Small Towel
• Suncream, Sunglasses and Hat
• Mosquito repellant
• Torch and Spare Bulb and Battery
• Notebook and pen/pencil
• Full water bottle(s)
• Emergency food rations (Not to be eaten until the end!)
• Matches
• Bivvy bag
• Warm clothing
• Entire spare set of clothes including several changes of underwear
• Waterproof jacket
• Walking Boots (or other appropriate footwear)
• Small Pocket Knife/Pocket Tool
• Plate, Bowl and Mug*
• Knife, Fork, Spoon + Tin opener* |
| *Available to sign out from the International Award School Store |
| “The Award ensures you always have something to talk about in interviews. It isn't just the Award itself, but rather a key to interpret the things you have done in the past. It guarantees life experience, teamwork and commitment - all things employers look for.” |
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| The International Award: Food! |
| Ideas for Menu Planning |
It is important to realise that you will eat more food than you normally do: you need at least 3000 calories a day while out walking, so please bring plenty of food with you. Food is a very individual thing and all of the below are suggestions. Do keep in mind three important things:
• Weight: Tins are very heavy!
• Shelf life: If you are carry food around for two- three days in a warm rucksack it should be able to survive this.
• You are part of a Group: You will be expected to cook as a group so you will need to discuss and plan a menu before the expedition. |
Particularly important – never set out walking without eating a good breakfast – you’ll suffer later if you do. Suggestions:
• Cereal (Muesli etc)
• Fruit
• Porridge
• Bread (Pitas etc) jam/marmalade
• Baked beans
• Biscuits
• Plenty of hot drinks, e.g. tea, coffee, chocolate etc |
• Sandwiches
• Fruit
• Cake
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Chocolate
• Biscuits
• Crisps
• Drinks
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| Evening meal |
This should be warm and substantial. Plenty of carbohydrates, so it is worth basing most of these on: Rice or Pasta. Keep it simple! Try to get dehydrated sauces such as:• Curry sauces
• Bolognese sauces
• Any Pasta sauces
• Pesto is great
• If you wish to bring meat you should bring tinned meat. Never bring fresh meet! It will attract animals! Bring corned beef, pates or spam in a tin to add to a meal.
Try to take something sweet for pudding as well as this can help cheer up tired people!
• custard
• cake
• dried fruit |
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| Essential basics |
- Tea
- Coffee
- Biscuits
- Sugar
- Dried Milk
- Soup
- Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chocolate and Sweets
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| Emergency rations |
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Chocolate
• Biscuits |
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| A Final Hint |
| A team that shares food especially chocolate, sweets and biscuits usually gets on much better! |
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| The International Award First Aid Course! |
A First Aid course will start for all students in the second term. This will take place every Monday for ten weeks. It is very important that all students attend. You can even use the course as your skill! There will be two sessions:
• 3pm – 4pm
• 4pm – 5pm |
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