Course spotlight: Arts Award
We’re celebrating an exciting new chapter of creative discovery with the launch of the Arts Award Explore course for Junior Sea Cadets
The Sea Cadets Training Programme (CTP) now embeds navigation into the syllabus through three dedicated modules: NAV01, NAV02 and NAV03. These new sessions mean that every cadet gains a foundation in navigation principles, regardless of whether they continue with formal boating qualifications.
What is the Arts Award?
It’s a nationally recognised qualification which helps young people to develop creative and critical skills, appreciate different art forms and artists, and share their ideas and achievements. With a nautical theme woven throughout our bespoke programme, juniors can feed their imaginations and build confidence while improving teamwork and communication skills.
How does it work for Junior Sea Cadets?
Through the generous support of Christopher Seow, a dedicated volunteer team has designed brand-new modules to kick-start cadets’ journeys into the world of the arts and creative industries. While helping them to explore how to express ideas through art – with visits to a gallery, museum or other cultural venue – juniors are supported to do further research on the art and artists they enjoy most. Participants are then encouraged to discuss their findings and empowered to create and display their own artwork.
Guided by new training materials, each junior can capture their experiences and record their progress in a special logbook, which forms the evidence for assessment. Logs can be created in written, visual or digital formats, allowing young people to showcase their work in ways that suit their creativity.
How are cadets’ efforts assessed and recognised?
Trained Arts Award advisers assess log books within Sea Cadets, before external moderation through the Arts Award at Trinity College London. This ensures cadets receive meaningful official validation of their work, as well as the sense of achievement from gaining such a prestigious qualification.
The act of displaying final artwork also provides a great opportunity to engage with parents and carers at open events – such as a well-received Arts Award Display Night held by Swansea Unit, who summed up the importance of the programme: “The Arts Award helps every cadet discover what inspires them and celebrate their own unique talents.”
Find out more
Photos: Sea Cadets
More Advice
Volunteer spotlight: Communications Team
MSSC’s Communications Team is proud to help our volunteers be the best possible ambassadors for our organisation – bringing their unit’s stories to life and enhancing their profile and reputation
So you want to be an…executive chef at a top restaurant?
Former sea cadet Daniel Heffy has worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants and was selected to represent the North West on the BBC’s ‘Great British Menu’. Now Executive Chef at NORD in Liverpool, he has a reputation for producing exceptional cuisine from local and seasonal ingredients
Essential guidance of water safety
The water supports so many of the activities we love, but can be dangerous to even the strongest swimmer – with 400 people drowning in the UK each year. So, keep this vital advice in mind whenever you enter the water (with or without Sea Cadets) and share your water safety knowledge with friends and family.