Outward Bound Trust Adventure and Challenge Award (SCQF 5)

Why this award?

The Adventure and Challenge Award is most suitable for young people where additional attainment through SCQF recognition is an important outcome of the experience. The course inspires young people to become strong, resilient and curious – ready for the challenges of life - and is normally based at the Outward Bound Trust's Loch Eil Centre, near Fort William, in the outdoor capital of the UK. 

The Adventure and Challenge Award comprises 7 units:

1. Improve confidence to overcome new challenges.
2. Develop skills in setting and achieving personal goals.
3. Increase self awareness and personal responsibility.
4. Increase awareness of other people.
5. Improve ability to work and communicate with other people.
6. Increase concern for and awareness of the natural environment.
7. Develop an action plan.

Who is it for?

The Award has been successfully completed with pupils in S2 upwards

What time commitment is required?

The award is completed during a five day, Monday to Friday, residential programme at our Loch Eil Centre, near Fort William. 

Is the award externally accredited?

The awards sits on the SCQF at level 5, with 5 credit points. 

The assessment is continuous and incorporates not just the activities but journeying, community living and formal classroom work as well.

The learning is evidenced as follows:

1. Performance evidence: the instructor completes an activity log for each candidate indicating the tasks they have successfully completed.
2. Written evidence: the candidate completes the learning journal.
3. Written evidence: the candidate writes an action plan.
4. Product evidence: photographs are taken of the work which has been produced in the review room.

Performance indicators range from ‘evaluating information gained from reviews and using it to formulate an evidenced based solution when planning future tasks’ to ‘keeping dormitories tidy’. Indicators are of equal value. The Adventure and Challenge Award embraces every aspect of the Loch Eil experience and requires candidates to perform well in all areas.

A positive attitude is central to completing the Adventure and Challenge Award and is incorporated into the performance indicators: candidates who complain their way through the course are unable to gain the award.