DofE & NNAS

Outdoor Education at The JCB Academy

Challenge Yourself – Explore, Achieve, Grow

At The JCB Academy, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. Our Outdoor Education Programme is designed to challenge, inspire, and develop essential life skills through nationally recognised schemes. We operate the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), giving learners opportunities to build resilience, confidence, and independence.

These experiences are learner-led, requiring commitment, time management, and teamwork. Sometimes you’ll work individually, and other times as part of a team on expeditions; all while growing as a person and achieving something truly rewarding.

National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS)

Year 9 learners begin their outdoor education journey with the NNAS Bronze Award, an introduction to navigation and outdoor skills.

Learn map reading, route planning, and basic navigation techniques
Gain confidence in the outdoors while developing problem-solving and decision-making skills
Activities include local walks and practical sessions to prepare for future expeditions

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)

Silver Award – Year 10

Learners progress to the Silver DofE Award, which involves completing four key sections:

Volunteering – Give back to the community

Physical – Improve fitness through a chosen activity

Skills – Learn something new or develop an existing talent

Expedition – Plan and complete a challenging outdoor journey as a team

The expedition includes training, practice, and a qualifying journey, requiring resilience, teamwork, and determination.

Gold Award – Year 12

Our Gold DofE Award is the ultimate challenge, building on the Silver Award with an additional section:

Residential – Spend time away from home on a shared activity with new people

Gold expeditions are longer and more demanding, often in remote terrain, and require advanced planning and leadership.

Why Take Part?

Outdoor education at The JCB Academy helps learners:

Build confidence and independence.
Develop resilience and time management.
Gain nationally recognised awards valued by employers and universities.

Interested?

See Mrs Newman for details and keep an eye out for information and application windows.