Through participation in volunteering activities, pupils develop a range of skills and personal development experiences which will help to prepare them for life beyond school (whether this be further education or employment)
Pupils learn about the context of volunteering; plan a volunteering placement; review and reflect on their own skills and volunteering experience; and complete an investigative project.
Pupils may choose a volunteering placement outwith school; or may use existing roles within the school as evidence of their volunteering experience. This means that student mentors, class reps, and learners who carry out other important roles within the school community can have this acknowledged and accredited.
Award Level
The Volunteering Skills Award is offered by the SfL department at SCQF levels 4 and 5.
Entry Level – what do I need to do it?
There are no prerequisites for entry to the Volunteering Skills Award.
Course Content – what will I learn?
In order to achieve the Volunteering Skills Award, pupils must complete three mandatory units:
- Preparing to Volunteer
- Volunteering Experience
- Volunteering: Investigative Project
Preparing to Volunteer: pupils look at what volunteering means; types of Volunteering Involving Organisations; and the benefits of volunteering to the volunteer, organisation and wider community.
Volunteering Experience: pupils participate as a volunteer, carrying out tasks and reviewing and reflecting on their contribution. The placement is matched to a self-assessment of their own skills, qualities and strengths.
Volunteering Investigative Project: pupils choose a particular aspect of volunteering that is of interest to them, carry out an investigation into this and submit a project plan. Possible topics may include: individual needs of a Volunteering Involving Organisation; increasing awareness of the Volunteering Involving Organisation; fundraising and events carried out by a Volunteering Involving Organisation.
Teaching Methods – what will I do?
Teaching methods will include group and class discussions; role play; written questions; group work; presentations; guest speakers; independent study and research. Classwork is accessed via MS Teams and OneNote.
Assessment
There is no formal examination for this course. Assessment for the Award will consist of gathering evidence for a portfolio to show that the pupil has successfully completed all the Outcomes in the Units.
Assessment methods may include written and recorded oral evidence; candidate notes; logbook; and assessor observation checklists.
Progression
The Volunteering Skills Award may provide progression to SCQF level 5 from level 4; or units within ‘Working with Communities’ at SCQF level 5 or 6.
