Suffolk Army Cadet Force 
BTEC First Diploma in Public Services
 27 Nov 2006		    

by Maj Bob West TD

The first cadets were registered at Rollestone Annual Camp 05.
Cadets must be 3 Star aged 16 (and under 19 on 28 Feb) in the year of registration.
It is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at A* to C Level.
Click the underlined links

BTEC First Diploma in Public Services

This internationally respected qualification is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at A* - C level (Standard grades at levels 1-3 in Scotland).

The course mixes theory and practical elements with an emphasis on leadership, teamwork, communications, problem solving and fitness.

The syllabus has been designed to improve valuable life skills including CV preparation, interviewing techniques, communication, first aid, adventure training, health and nutrition.

And best of all, it's FREE for Cadets!

Cadets must be 16 to enrol in the BTEC Programme. To enrol, contact your Cadet HQ. Please note: In addition to existing Cadet activities, Cadets are required to complete the course syllabus which includes supervised adventure training activities and occasional weekend training. All coursework is assessed by Edexcel.

Click here if you wish to download a Registration form.

No costs, no hassles, just the best thing you can do for your future.

BTEC FIRST DIPLOMA UNITS

Core Units:

Optional Units: (Applicable to ACF)

METHODOLOGY

CROSS SYLLABUS REFERENCING

Direct ‘mapping’ has been carried out between the units in the BTEC First Diploma Public Services specification and the individual sections within the ACF Training Syllabus.

UNIT 1 - THE PUBLIC SERVICES

This is achieved by cadets completing the Integrated Vocational Assignment based on the Army.

  • This is externally set by BTEC and has to be completed by March each year.

UNIT 2 - PUBLIC SERVICES SKILLS

  • Pass as a minimum the SCIC Course.
    (Other leadership courses will enhance marks.)

  • Answer one question from cadet workbook.
    (Cadet must pass the question in the workbook to achieve this unit)

UNIT 3 - PUBLIC SERVICES FITNESS

Cadets have to pass:

  • 1, 2 and 3 Star physical fitness programme.

  • Pass the questions in the cadet workbook.

  • If a cadet has represented their school, county or club then their marks are enhanced.

  • Cadets must achieve an overall pass from the questions in the cadet workbook.

UNIT 7 - OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

  • Cadets must take part in two ‘logged’ Adventurous Training Activities.

  • Give a 5 minute presentation on:
    ‘How does your unit conduct outdoor activities in comparison to another youth organisation’

  • Answer a question in the cadet workbook.
    (Cadets must answer the cadet workbook question correctly and gain a pass in the presentation to achieve this unit.)

UNIT 9 - LAND NAVIGATION with MAP and COMPASS

  • Cadets must pass the 1, 2 and 3 Star Map and Compass

UNIT 14 - EXPEDITION SKILLS

  • Cadets must pass 1, 2 and 3 Star Expedition syllabus

  • (DOE Bronze and Silver enhance the grades for Units 9 and 14)

RESOURCES

Available in two parts:

1. Resource Book
This will have all the material a cadet will need for the workbook questions and the IVA. Also contains assessment criteria for Pass, Merit and Distinction grades.

2. Workbook
This will have the questions the cadet has to answer.
(These questions will be marked by CVQO)

INSTRUCTORS

Will have the Instructors Guidelines book:

  • This will combine the resource and workbook

  • Contain guidelines on marking the presentation on Outdoor activities

  • Advice on how to advise cadets on workbook and IVA

  • Services Application Form to be used with IVA

RECORDING ACHIEVEMENT

  • VQF23 (ACF) for Unit 2

  • VQF2 (ACF) for Units 3, 7, 9 and 14
    (Can be downloaded from CVQO website)

MORE INFORMATION ?

  1. County HQ Tel: 01473 252562 info@suffolk-acf.co.uk

  2. CVQO website www.vqaward.org

  3. Maj Bob West TD bobjcwest@gmail.com

  4. Edexcel website www.edexcel.org.uk

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Site created, edited and maintained by Major John L Raybould TD, Webmaster Suffolk ACF