Day skipper theory for DoE Bronze Skill?

[ylop]

I think that a day skipper theory course could be excellent learning for DoE. But, I do just wonder if it isn’t rather encouraging a somewhat more solitary than collective skill set.

I don’t understand what you mean?

I’ve assessed two people doing software development for their skill - couldn’t get more solitary! My son was learning a musical instrument. My wife has assessed someone learning crochet. Back in the days when there were specific syllabuses and approved skills I did “boat work” for my bronze - everything from patching holes in hulls to splicing, and I think rowing the safety boat out to its mooring and the tender back in….

I think in the past there was perhaps a tendency for a whole group to agree the same skill, turn up each week and learn that skill in a classroom. That’s not really in the spirit of the self motivated learning you are supposed to do (at least these days).

As an employer I like DOE when hiring young people with little or no actual relevant work experience - not because candidates with DOE are better than others, but because it provides a really useful way to get into a relaxed discussion with the candidate on something they are really knowledgeable about and isn’t a “test”. You can get a lot of knowledge about their personality and outlook from asking about it.

 

[benjenbav]

I don’t understand what you mean?

I’ve assessed two people doing software development for their skill - couldn’t get more solitary! My son was learning a musical instrument. My wife has assessed someone learning crochet. Back in the days when there were specific syllabuses and approved skills I did “boat work” for my bronze - everything from patching holes in hulls to splicing, and I think rowing the safety boat out to its mooring and the tender back in….

I think in the past there was perhaps a tendency for a whole group to agree the same skill, turn up each week and learn that skill in a classroom. That’s not really in the spirit of the self motivated learning you are supposed to do (at least these days).

As an employer I like DOE when hiring young people with little or no actual relevant work experience - not because candidates with DOE are better than others, but because it provides a really useful way to get into a relaxed discussion with the candidate on something they are really knowledgeable about and isn’t a “test”. You can get a lot of knowledge about their personality and outlook from asking about it.

When you say that you don’t know what I mean, it’s probably that I’m out of touch or memory has faded. All I remember of the DoE when I was a schoolboy was planning an expedition in a group and then executing the plan. Even back then there was probably more to it, but that’s all I remember.

In contrast I also remember many years ago doing a DS theory course by correspondence. That was something I did on my own and, whilst I did learn something, it did not encourage any community interface, which I thought was the purpose of the DoE award scheme.

Conversely, I can see the DS theory course as a stepping stone to the practical part and to YM where it is certainly essential to have and demonstrate team skills to run the boat via the crew.

Anyway, it’s been 50 years since my participation in the DoE and l’m sure that a lot has changed and the rather fuzzy memories that I have - mostly of plotting to get served underage in a country pub in the Brecon Beacons - are mostly irrelevant.

 

[ylop]

When you say that you don’t know what I mean, it’s probably that I’m out of touch or memory has faded. All I remember of the DoE when I was a schoolboy was planning an expedition in a group and then executing the plan. Even back then there was probably more to it, but that’s all I remember.

In contrast I also remember many years ago doing a DS theory course by correspondence. That was something I did on my own and, whilst I did learn something, it did not encourage any community interface, which I thought was the purpose of the DoE award scheme.

Conversely, I can see the DS theory course as a stepping stone to the practical part and to YM where it is certainly essential to have and demonstrate team skills to run the boat via the crew.

Anyway, it’s been 50 years since my participation in the DoE and l’m sure that a lot has changed and the rather fuzzy memories that I have - mostly of plotting to get served underage in a country pub in the Brecon Beacons - are mostly irrelevant.

I think it’s always been more than just the expedition but I’m not quite go that far back. A modern DOE award is made up of:

- Learning a new skill (over a period of 3 months at Bronze)
- Doing some sort of physical activity (over a period of 3 months at Bronze)
- Volunteering over a period of 3 months at Bronze
- The Expedition; which most people do on foot but can be on bikes, canoes, horses or even sailing. 2 days - 1 night. There’s a practice expedition, and often training in camping/navigation etc so usually 3-6 months to plan and prep too trips.

One of the skill/physical/volunteering sections has to be 6 months - the participant picks which.

The skills etc all have to be done outside of your normal school curriculum etc - but if it’s a group of Scouts doing it they can all decide to the same skill and learn it at their weekly scout session and/or all go volunteer together etc.

Silver is the same idea but everything is a bit longer.

Gold is longer again and then has a “residential” element where you have to go and get involved with a bunch of strangers and work together on something for 5 days.