The inspiringundeniably curriculum of leadership

The COmMISSION programme and our Gap Year programme could both become formally accredited training courses, bringing useful recognition to young people for the learning that takes place as part of their leadership development.

For many years, young volunteers at SU Scotland have benefitted from the thoughtful and practical leadership development training that is available.

There are three parts to the COmMISSION programme: training, action and review. Young people take part in Basecamp (if they are 16 or 17) or LeadUP (if they are 18 or have already completed Basecamp) in June, with opportunities to 'learn on the job' during summertime events and then a review weekend at the end of summer to reflect on the learning.

For young people taking part in a tailored year out Gap Year programme, learning, training, reflection and support are key elements throughout.

SU Scotland is currently in the process of applying for recognition from SQA for COmMISSION at SCQF level 5 (equivalent to Nat 5) and the Gap Year programme at level 6.

David Clipston is leading the work for the COmMISSION programme. He explains, 'This accreditation is valuable as it means that young people will be able to put the relevant credits on college and university applications. Other external agencies will recognise the learning that has taken place and young people benefit from knowing that the qualifications are externally verified.

'It’s also a really valuable process for us, as it means that we have to look closely at the learning outcomes we want to achieve, and think through how we are approaching those.'

Lockdown meant there was an opportunity to concentrate on the headdown development work that is sometimes difficult in the midst of all the different ministry demands.

The new courses have grown out of many years of development and represent valuable knowledge and experience that can be passed on to successive generations of young people.

David Clipston says, 'There are elements in our material that we define as “discipleship” and it can be quite difficult to think about that material in relation to more formal “secular” qualifications. However, a lot of the skills that we explore are easily recognised and defined in the educational world and we are excited by the prospect of being able to offer a qualification that is externally recognised.' 