The Join in Award Scheme (JAS)

Our approach to personal development is JAS. The intent JAS in particular, fits with a context of ‘personal achievement’. Achievement is defined as ‘progress in all aspects of each child’s or young person’s planned learning’. ‘Achievement covers learning within curriculum areas and interdisciplinary learning, including recognition through qualifications, but it is much wider than that. It includes achievement in other areas within the life of the school and outside the school – sometimes referred to as ‘wider’ achievement.’
'Personal achievement provides children and young people with a sense of satisfaction and helps to build motivation, resilience and confidence... All establishments need to plan to offer opportunities for achievement and to provide the support and encouragement which will enable children and young people to step forward to undertake activities which they find challenging. This is one of the key areas where schools need to work closely with a wide range of partners to help young people access information and opportunities and make their voices heard.' Curriculum for Excellence Refreshed Narrative
The intent of JAS is to:

• Support opportunities for all young people to experience achievement
• Encourage healthier lifestyle choices, including being active and outdoors more
• Help build partnerships with parents, local groups and the community
• Help with transitions from Primary to Secondary school
• Provide a platform for starting vocational learning
• Bridge the attainment gap

JAS has 4 Sections which can be run at the same time or one after the other, in any order:

My Interests

A new hobby or interest, or an existing one which can be developed further.

• This is about increasing ability and/or knowledge. It could be learning to play a musical instrument (or improving playing), researching the history of a favourite sports team, player or athlete, or finding out about a favourite animal.

Get Active, Stay Active

Regular involvement in a sport or physical activity.

• This is something over and above core curriculum PE. It could be walking or cycling to school every day, the ‘daily mile’, rugby, hockey, netball or football training, dancing, cheerleading, horse riding, or going for a walk once a week to explore the nature of the local community.

Me and My World

A community or nature-based project.

• This is an opportunity to get involved in your community, helping with things you care about. It might be maintaining a school or community garden, helping other children in a youth group, volunteering at a retirement home, or fundraising for your favourite charity.

Adventure

Involvement in outdoor activity.

• This can be a teamwork challenge involving problem-solving, a team game, a walking excursion, orienteering in the school grounds.

Depending on their Year Group, the children complete a varying number of hours to complete all four key areas and be awarded their certificate and badge upon completion.

Much of the programme is delivered as part of the normal curriculum on a Friday afternoon. However, children can gather evidence for JAS by adding notes, photographs or certificates to their evidence boxes in each section for anything they do at home.

‘JAS provides a wonderful opportunity for us to support children in developing their skills and confidence both in and out of school. Children can challenge themselves and can get involved in activities they may never have done before. JAS also allows us to celebrate and share the children’s success and wider achievement, through their involvement with a recognised award scheme.’ Miss Crockford JAS Ambassador.