John Muir Award

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Intent

The John Muir Trust encourages people of all backgrounds to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places.  They offer an award which is inclusive, accessible and non-competitive, though should challenge each participant.  It encourages awareness and responsibility for the natural environment through a structured yet adaptable scheme, in a spirit of fun, adventure and exploration. The trust's award is a nationally recognised award that supports our school's commitment to offering high quality learning outside of the classroom and complements our broad curriculum.

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Our Vision

We will encourage our pupils to complete this course because it provides opportunities for young people to develop essential life skills, increase their employability and foster their creativity and innovation.

 

Implementation

Pupils up to year 8, will complete the John Muir Award throughout their time in school. The award comprises the three basic elements of discovery, exploration and conservation of wild places.

 

The John Muir Award then focuses these elements into:

• Discover: Identify a wild place, or multiple places, on which to focus your John Muir Award activity.

• Explore: Consider how to experience, enjoy and find out more about your wild place.

• Conserve: Care for your wild place, take personal responsibility, make a difference and put something back.

• Share: Let others know what you have done - your achievements, feelings, what you learned - celebrate!

 

Impact

Our pupils will benefit from discovering a series of values aligned to those of our school:

• A sense of achievement.

• New skills and interests, self-confidence and self-reliance, exciting opportunities.

• Leadership skills and abilities.

• Experience of teamwork and decision making.

• An appreciation of the environment and wild landscapes.

 

Pupils will experience activities that they may never have considered trying before, and along the way, they will pick up talents and memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.  During the program pupils will develop the skills and attitudes they need to become more rounded, confident adults with qualities that colleges and employers value.  When our pupils pursue their award, they are investing in their future to become resilient, productive and employable young adults.

 

Next Steps

The program began in Spring Term 2021. The four elements of the award will also be incorporated into planning, as well as being included in the humanities enrichment curriculum activities.  The AQA unit awards our pupils undertake will also form part of their John Muir work where applicable.

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