The award is a challenging programme of activities which will help you to learn new skills, help other people, and experience adventure. It will give you a great sense of achievement. What’s more, many organisations such as employers and universities take a very positive view of the award - and what it says about the person who has achieved it.
There are three levels to achieve – Bronze, Silver and Gold - and, for each, you complete activities in four Sections - Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Expeditions. At the Gold level you also take part in a Residential Project. It’s up to you what you do. In each Section there is a wide range of options you can choose from or you can find other similar activities which interest you. This could be something entirely new or you could continue with an activity you already enjoy. The good news is that it’s not an exam and you can’t fail! The award is about having a go. It’s not a competition – you just need a bit of enterprise and perseverance.
The minimum time requirements for each Section are expressed in months, during which you need to undertake a regular commitment averaging at least an hour a week.
You have until your 25th birthday to complete any of the award levels, but it takes at least 6 months at Bronze, 12 months at Silver and 18 months at Gold for direct entrants.
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Service |
Skills |
Physical Recreation |
Expeditions |
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3 months |
3 months |
3 months |
Plan, prepare for and undertake a 2 day, 1 night venture |
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All participants must undertake a further 3 months in either the Service, Skill or Physical Recreation Sections. |
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• Practical First Aid satisfies the Service Section conditions. • Skill at Arms plus Shooting can be a Skill. • Physical Achievement Tests can be a Physical Recreation. • A Bronze Award expedition will gain an ACF 2-star expedition pass or a CCF AT badge. • There is a Service Section Award Programme called ‘Service to the ACF/CCF’. • Participation in the Bronze Award can lead to a Merit in your BTEC First Diploma in Public Services. Recreation Expedi |
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Service |
Skills |
Physical Recreation |
Expeditions |
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6 months |
One Section for 6 months and the other Section for 3 months |
Plan, prepare for and undertake a 3 day, 2 night venture in open country |
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Direct entrants must undertake a further six months in either the Service or the longer of the Skills or Physical Recreation Sections. |
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• ACF 3-star and CCF further Advanced Training will normally coincide with preparation for the Silver Award. • Completion of the Silver Award will often satisfy the requirements of ACF 4-star and some CCF Continuation Training subjects. • Participation in the Silver Award can lead to a Distinction in some parts of your BTEC Diploma in Public Services. Rec |
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Service |
Skills |
Physical Rec. |
Expeditions |
Residential Project
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12 months |
One Section for 12 months and the other Section for 6 months |
Plan, prepare for and undertake a 4 day, 3 night venture in wild country |
Undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for 5 days and 4 nights
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Direct entrants must undertake a further 6 months in either the Service, or the longer of the Skills or Physical Recreation Sections. |
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• The Gold Award is the natural progression for those who have completed the APC programme. • Cadet Force Adult Volunteers aged 18-25 will find the Gold Award is an appropriate programme of personal development to follow. |
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• Members of the Cadet Forces aged 16 and over can follow the modular training programme in Award Leadership.
• There are four separate modules – Introduction to the Award, Group Work Skills, Managing a Group and Practical
Leadership.
• This programme can be used as the Service option for your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and can contribute to your BTEC
Diploma.
What is the Award based on?
The key principles are:
non-competitive – a personal challenge, not a competition
available to all – anyone can do it!
voluntary – it’s up to you what you do – it’s your leisure time
flexible – your programme is designed by you for you
balanced - it will stretch you in all directions
progressive – you improve at your own pace
achievement focused – you can’t fail!
marathon not a sprint – it takes more than a short burst of enthusiasm
personal development – it’s the taking part that matters: getting an award is the icing on the cake
enjoyable – it’s about getting out there and having fun!
© Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force 2008