From Bronze through to Platinum, Youth Achievement Awards (YAA) offer formal recognition and accreditation for young peoples’ achievements.
They are easy to use and incorporate into existing or planned activities and can be delivered in a range of settings including youth and community projects, schools and colleges. The Awards follow a Plan-Do-Review process which enables young people to more effectively recognise and articulate their learning and achievements within different contexts, increasing self-esteem, improving motivation and keeping them engaged with learning.
The YAAs are nationally recognised, support the aims and purposes of Curriculm for Excellence, closing the attainment gap and the Developing the Young Workforce agenda.
The varying levels of award can be tailored to support any activity and provide a recognised, SCQF levelled award at conclusion.
YAAs encourage reflection on learning through self and peer assessment, keeping young people engaged with their learning and helping to develop skills for learning, life and work. The Awards recognise four levels of responsibility taken by young people participating in activities that interest them. Bronze is about young people taking part, at Silver young people assist - sharing responsibility with others, at Gold they take individual responsibility to organise and lead, and at Platinum they undertake training and create learning opportunities for others.
Key Features of the Award:
The Youth Achievement Awards
- Are easy to use
- Are for young people age 14+ (16+ for the Platinum level)
- Have 4 levels based on the responsibility a young person takes within activities
- Can be accessed at the most appropriate level for the young person
- Have a minimum time commitment depending on award level
- Can be incorporated into existing or planned activities
- Can be used in a range of settings
- Are inclusive and suitable for young people with a range of interests and abilities
- Are a Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) customised award
- Are Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) credit scored and levelled by Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA)
- Help to evidence Outcomes
- Support the aims, values, purpose and implementation of Curriculum for Excellence
- Placed on ‘Insight’ and carry Tariff Points
Level information
| Level | Minimum Age | Minimum Hours | Minimum Responsibility | SCQF Level | SCQF Credit Points |
| Bronze | 14 | 60 | Taking Part | 4 | 7 |
| Silver | 14 | 90 | Assisting | 5 | 11 |
| Gold | 14 | 120 | Leading | 6 | 14 |
| Platinum | 16 | 135 | Peer Education | 7 | 16 |
The Awards have been used in Scotland:
- to accredit existing programmes within the youth group/school (for example, helping out at a youth club, being part of a pupil council, drama group or chess club);
- to accredit a residential experience;
- to accredit a whole-year project;
- to support a transition programme;
- to give senior pupils a creative choice as they look to bolster their CV;
- to support a peer-led project; and
- to work with the wider community
The possibilities are endless! The Awards are an SQA Customised Award and are credit rated and levelled by the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF
You can read more about getting started; moderation, assessment and QA; resources and training; FAQ and more information in the sections below.
