How can you test leadership theoretically? This makes no sense.
Music grades - practical
GCSE music - includes a practical element
Driving test - practical
A Level drama - practical
DOfE - practical
Yes, perhaps some form of moderation/checks on the assessors could be done but to do away with practical tests in our organisation is a ridiculous idea. I also note that you regularly say you donât want us to be like a school (which written tests for everything would take us) and also regularly comment that the badges are meaningless - so why are you bothered?
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Nope.
Try getting a degree in English from one university and compare it to a degree in English from another. Theyâll be different, but both graduates will be able to say they got a < whatever grade > in English at university.
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But employers do look at which university awarded the degree as they contend a degree from a Russell Group university is far more rigourous and valuable compared to the equivelent from a former polytechnic.
There are theoretical exams for the higher levels - nonetheless, leadership is primarily a practical skill as you say.
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Depending on the subject some âlowerâ universities are considered higher than the Russell Group. And as someone with degrees from two different RG uniâs they did a great job of PR. Membership is largely irrelevant for undergraduate degrees as itâs based on research which doesnât really factor into undergrad
However, if someone was to join the RAF as an officer and attend IOT, theyâd do no theoretical leadership exams, only practical tests.
If itâs good enough for them, etcâŚ
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I do wish we scrap some of this classification training and build it into the PTS. With each classification is awarded on a points based system over layed with a criteria matrix based on the experience the cadet gains. So classification training is 100% based on how experienced that cadet is of the core cadet experience instead of how well they can pass exams
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People could be tested on the theory of leadership, as this seems to be one thing, no matter how many times it is done, seems to be forgotten, as is the process, but as we teach a very process driven approach, testing in a written exam would be very easy and if a theoretical understanding is fully shown, then the application should be better. The way we do leadership it is all about the doing, without really showing an understanding of the why, it gets covered in a lesson and thatâs it. Then there are the practical skills and assessing equipment that may be required.
@Farmerdan all of those practical exams would come after months and months of practice with a qualified teacher. My wife got to grade 7 clarinet, but she said she had to do music theory as well, to understand the music she had to play Now there is a driving theory test that has to be passed before the practical test. Our kids did drama at school and they had to study the different styles of acting and performance. All of those making these practical assessments will be checked to ensure they are up to it and in many cases professional practitioners in their own right. The DofE is assessed for all sections and at each level, against set criteria.
Maybe I donât want the badges to be meaningless. This system was dumped on us in a haphazard fashion IMO to appeal to 12/13 year olds, as there were things they wouldnât be able to do, straightaway as HQAC hadnât got their ducks in row before lowering the joining age.
They are, as I pointed out above.
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Steady⌠I would hardly call them exams still!
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We anonymise our job applications to remove university name. We is proper woke innit.
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Umm, topic?
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Alright then.
A better warm layer for blues. I hate GPJs with a passion, I just want a smarter looking jacket.
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There is, get yourself a greatcoat!
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Leather flying jacket?
Thatâs an NCO option isnât it?
I quite like my GPJ. Those of us without a rotund appearance or inhumanly long arms can get away with wearing them slightly undersized 
Have you ever actually worn one? I want to be warm, not melt!
Controversy inbound:
Iâd have badges for shooting, FA, leadership, and FT for greens. Maybe radio.
Then weâd need two even more complicaed badge policies in greens, one for PCS panels, one for barrack shirts.
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