Mount School York
A teacher at Mount School York had run DofE in a previous job and had always thought that it would be great to have something for younger pupils.
The team were very enthusiastic about JAS and felt that it would fit in well at the Mount. They also thought it would be great to be one of the first schools in the area to take part.
Introducing JAS to the school
In the first year of the scheme, the school sent out a letter in the summer term to parents of children who would be in Y5 or 6 in the September. The letter explained what the JAS Award was about, gave them the web address and invited them to come to a session at school to find out more. That term there was a 75% sign up!
The teachers noticed that the children are very excited to get their JAS folders. They also decided that the JAS certificates should be given out at the weekly assemblies as children achieve each level, as I find that they like to get them straight away.
The school tries to encourage as varied evidence as possible. Lots comes in the form of photos as the pupils like to be able to put these in their files. The photos are either with writing or the pupils come and talk about them. There are also mini videos and power points. Several cooks have made their own recipe books and a knitter brought in the mouse she had made to go with her photos!
Millie’s Gold Award
The school also featured some of their JAS stories on its website, including Millie’s Gold Award congratulating Millie (Y8) ‘on achieving the highest possible level for this inspiring programme.’
Other examples of activities undertaken as part of JAS
My Interests: Model making, furniture up-cycling, nail painting, hairdressing, various musical instruments, cooking, looking after pets, horses, drawing, painting, knitting, musical theatre, singing
Get Active, Stay Active: Swimming, horse riding, netball, hillwalking, fencing, dance, gymnastics, climbing, hockey
Me and My World: Making hedgehog homes, making bird boxes and feeding birds, cleaning road signs in village, cake sale for Marie Curie, cleaning the brass in church
Adventure: residential at outdoor centre
What benefits has JAS brought to the pupils, school and wider community?
A sense of achievement and improved organisation for the pupils – just looking after their folder was a challenge for some to start with!
Parents are keen for their children to be involved
Participants tell people outside school about the award scheme
Starts a conversation with pupils about progressing to D of E.
An opportunity to attract publicity for school and scheme.
JAS in your area
It is always inspiring to hear about the different ways schools are integrating JAS into their learning and adapting the programme to suit their settings.
If you would like to share or discuss how the JAS Award can bring learning to life for young people in your area, we’d love to hear from you.
Please visit Jas Award or contact us on admin@jasaward.org.uk
Discover more about JAS
To find out more about the JAS award, contact us.
You can also arrange your FREE INDUCTION (in person or online)
We’re here to help.
“JAS helps our children reflect on things that are not core curricular areas like writing and reading. It helps them appreciate how many other things they are doing and the skills that these require. At the end of the Award they get a certificate which they all really enjoy too.”