What’s the name of the school / youth organisation project?
Cavendish High School
Who are the partners (Youth groups, schools, outdoor education providers etc)
Key Stage 3 at The Cavendish High Academy
What’s the demographic of the area that you work in?
Runcorn in Cheshire is a varied demographic area, with some parts with low income families.
Why did you choose to use JASS?
Our school chose JASS Award because we felt it would give our students the chance to face new challenges while covering lots of the curriculum areas. As well as building in confidence, create new friends & skills.
What were the hoped outcomes of your initiative?
We hoped that our students would build confidence and independent skills, while learning about Health & safety of working and accessing the curriculum outdoors. Must of all to have fun and experience new challenges.
What year groups participated? What level did you use?
Key stage 3
Can you provide some examples for the activities that the young people did for the award? It would be helpful if you could note any activities that you or any partner took the lead on.
Me and My World:
Litter Picking in our local community
My Interests:
Students choice their own interest from baking, running to drawing.
Get Active, Stay Active:
Students did a range of actives, from horse riding, archery and walking.
Adventure:
5km Walk & Den building around Delamere Forest
Was there any additional costs over and above the purchase of the folders?
No, I spent a very small amount on buying Marshmallows for the students to toast on the campfire.
Do you have any examples of how a young person grew in confidence as a result of doing the activities in JASS?
When JASS award was first introduces to the students they were all very nervous to explore new outdoor areas. One student had never liked fire and was very frighten. Though JASS we have been able to educate all the students on how to stay safe around the fire and while cooking on a campfire. This particular student now helps to build and light the fires while helping other students out which is fantastic.
What were the benefits to your organisation taking the lead on this? What went well? Did you reach your outcomes?
It’s helped us to achieve the learning outside the classroom gold award. The students have been outstanding and achieved so much, growing in confidence and facing new challenges head on, many over coming fears.
Any positive quotes, from mentors, participants, parents / carers? Or observations?
Student quote – “JASS is amazing, really good fun my favourite bit was making smores on the campfires.”
Class Teacher – “I feel the students have grown so much and improve they outdoor area safety and experiences.”
Was there anything that didn’t go well?
Come rain or shine we took part in JASS, no issues.