So, I believe that the first class logbook was originally twinned with a BTEC qualification? This explains the merit and distinction optional criteria.
I also hear that the logbook may be on its way out? I have found two log books I believe on the SharePoint portal and hopefully I’m using the correct one (the one with slightly less past criteria questions in!).
However if the BTEC is now defunct, why are the merit and distinction questions still in there? One could argue that these are extension questions for the motivated to cadets… The time yet to find any that are!
In fact my concern is that the learning outcomes are written, I assume by an educational institution… They have key action verbs such as identify, describe or explain…
Yet when I have also found the staff answer book, I wouldn’t necessarily say that the answers in there are ‘describing’ etc (and I do a lot of work for Pearson on the side looking at how colleges assess their work!).
What is more concerning is that the logbook assumes the knowledge of the tutor in regard to these learning outcomes… Ie that they can teach.
Now if we extrapolate this and argue that the staff member is not a qualified teacher and therefore it just trying their best to instill some knowledge on cadets, what is the point of the very specific learning outcomes?!
Also are we getting a new logbook without the merit and distinction criteria?
Has anyone created their own and removed certain sections?!
We also have a lot of cadets who have learning difficulties (dyslexia etc) as well as neurodiversity (ADHD etc)…
Unsurprisingly a lot of these cadets confide in us that they struggle at school… They used cadets as an escape and yet the first thing we do is set them down and follow A structure very similar to school and college!
Bit more importantly, again it goes back to unqualified volunteer staff trying to teach to a specific learning outcome to children who have significant additional requirements!
The one on the Training Hub will be the most up to date one.
Its a core level of knowledge (on the pass elements) and quite often taught by Method of Instruction cadets. They were taught it, and are now passing that knowledge on.
For new staff who havent done it before hopefully their older staff assist and teach them before they teach the cadets - but that is very much dependant on your location.
We order A4 ones (much easier to use than A5) and we don’t use the powerpoint to teach. So during their First Class Syllabus they have none of the “traditional classroom” element, but makes the layout of the books even more important because it keeps them on track, and the cadets can see whats coming up.
I don’t think they are perfect but I do like the log books, was pleased when leading came with a notebook, and I’m looking forward for the other senior/master subjects getting them.
The BTEC will be coming back in some fashion so standby for more details.
Just email crn-ctr-media-print@mod.gov.uk ask nicely and they’ll print anything you send them.
I always attach the files rather than assuming they have access to things like the first class logbook.
They’ll do booklets A5 or A4, they’ll do posters up to A1.
Yes the First class log book, along with the majority of the rest of our training resources, are worth less than the sole of my shoe, but it’s what we’ve got ATM.
We are the same and I would be interested in what other Squadrons do.
I have opted to give said cadets there own “home” copy to complete in their own time and not under pressure based on training material shared with them. They have one logbook at the Squadron and one for home. Its not idea but it takes the pressure off in the classroom. Staff are prewarned about any learning difficulties to avoid those awkward questions and making someone feel inadequate.
I jest about reprints but interestingly its still available on SharePoint in its original artwork format so technically it could be taken to a printers. Perhaps they should remove…
Where do you order A4 size logbooks? Also ive never seen a leading cadet logbook is it in actual book form or online? if book form how to we order these?
Lastly do yous use the blue badge logbooks ive heard very mixed opinions of them some squadrons use them and some don’t.
The Blue Badge Log Book is so out of date now, in my opinion it isn’t worth using - too many badges have changed (Heartstart, Shooting & Flying/Gliding).
I asked WHQ for some. Told I needed to contact Wg Trg Off - “No longer available, you can print yr own off Sharepoint (54pp lol) or you can use the electronic vsn using CP”
