Leader Handbook Version 1.0 Released: November 2007 Boys Brigade Knowledge Badge The Boys' Brigade Queensland
The Boys' Brigade Queensland BB Knowledge Badge Leader Guidelines Contents Introduction to These Guidelines 3 Background 3 Levels 3 Preparation and Training 3 3 THE BB KNOWLEDGE PROJECT Purpose 4 Planning 4 TOPIC SUGGESTIONS 4 4 THE DRILL ASSESSMENT Purpose 5 Preparation 5 5 THE BB KNOWLEDGE DRILL STANDARD 6 THE BB KNOWLEDGE INTERVIEW Purpose 7 Preparation 7 7 Page 2 Issue 1.0
Introduction to These Guidelines This booklet is designed to help Captains, No.2 Section Officers-in-Charge and their Officers gain a better understanding of what is required for boys undertaking the BB Knowledge Badge. This various components of this award are administered by The Boys Brigade Queensland (as required by the award regulations) as this badge is a compulsory part of the requirements a boy must complete in order to be awarded The Queen s Badge. It is important to note that the information contained in these guidelines outlines many of the administrative considerations you, as an Officer, need to be aware of. For more detailed explanation of some parts of this level s requirements (the exact contents of the project, etc) you will need to refer to the CANDIDATE S HANDBOOK, included as part of the BB Knowledge Badge Resource Pack. Background The Boys Brigade Knowledge Badge, together with the Scripture Knowledge Award, Citizenship Award and BB Knowledge Award, form the Core Group Awards, in the No.2 Section Award System. It is a prerequisite for the Queens Badge and requires the candidate to demonstrate: broad knowledge of The Boys Brigade at International, National, State and Battalion levels; detailed knowledge of the operation, administration and functioning of the local Company; detailed understanding of the Object of The Boys Brigade; understanding of the role and responsibilities of the NCO within the local Company; the ability to instruct and direct a Drill Squad in accordance with the prescribed standards; and the ability to research and present a project on a selected BB topic This award is the principle prerequisite for the Queen s Badge and is used to confirm a boy s suitability for that award. Boys applying for assessment must possess maturity, commitment to BB and a sound knowledge of the Movement. By this stage, Captains should have made a realistic assessment of the boy s attributes and suitability. In all but rare cases, assessment under this award should confirm the Captain s opinion. Levels The Boys Brigade Knowledge Badge is a single level award that may be commenced by boys of 16 years BB age. It is not a prerequisite for this award that the Six Month Service Badge, the BB Knowledge Preliminary Certificate and the BB Knowledge Certificate have been gained. However, it is highly advantageous for candidates to have completed these prior to commencing this award. Preparation and Training Training and preparation for assessment for this award should take place at Company and Battalion level. Captains shall ensure that boys have access to appropriate training and instruction through: the opportunity for completion of the Six Month Service Badge, the BB Knowledge Preliminary Certificate and the BB Knowledge Certificate; the opportunity to develop and exercise the skills of leadership at Company and Battalion level; and formal training classes conducted at Company meetings. Battalions should, where practical, develop a Senior Boys training scheme which networks the skills of Officers and Senior NCO s across the Battalion to provide additional skills development in practical aspects such as: Drill; Squad Leadership; and Company Administration The BBQld Training Directorate may provide focussed training and resource material that will help prepare boys for this award. is carried out under the direction of the BBQld Operations Director and will comprise three parts: 1. A project of at least 2000 words, or equivalent effort where an alternative medium of communication is selected, covering one of the topics approved by the State Operations Director 2. Demonstrated competence in carrying out squad drill to the standard specified 3. An interview conducted by at least two Officers approved by the Operations Director, one of whom is independent of the Company of which the candidate is a member. Captains are responsible to ensure that candidates are: competent; adequately prepared; and of appropriate character and maturity to undertake the award Page 3 Issue 1.0
THE PROJECT Purpose BB Knowledge Project is designed to allow candidates to demonstrate their ability to research and present a topic of specific application to the Boys Brigade. The project must show a depth and breadth of understanding of the subject chosen and must present the information in a form appropriate for the topic chosen. The project is required to be at least 2000 words long. This does not include appendices and supporting documentation. If the boy is presenting a written project (i.e. multimedia, audio, video) the submitted materials must be the equivalent of 2000 words. Planning The candidate shall advise the BBQld Operations Director, in writing, of the topic selected for submission and should provide a brief overview, or outline of the material to be covered. The candidate should also advise what method of presentation they propose (i.e. written, audio tape, video, or combination). TOPIC SUGGESTIONS The Boys Brigade Its Origin and History The Founder The Infancy of the Movement Early History Expansion in the UK & Ireland BB Across the World The Boys Brigade in Australia A Profile of the Earliest Australian Companies BB History in Queensland A Profile of a Prominent BB Figure PAN Australia Camps Local History The History of Your Company The History of Your Battalion/Group Council A Profile of a Prominent Company Figure Opportunities for Leadership in BB Role of the Senior Boy Duties of NCO s Company Programme Planning Develop a program for term program for a Section including: Program Objectives Program Outline and Timetable Program Resources Role of BB in the Christian Church BB Object The Company in Action Outreach Church / Sunday School Relationships BB International Global Fellowship of Christian Youth (formerly World Conference) Pacific Regional Fellowship (PRF) Topical Research Develop a thesis to research and discuss On completion, the project should be forwarded through the Captain to the BBQld office. The standard of presentation should be of a high order consistent with the boy s level of ability and resources available. The Captain shall provide a written comment on the project in which he should outline a little about the boy and the way in which he developed his project. This will assist the assessor in making the assessment with useful background information and give an appreciation of reasons for selecting the topic and the presentation medium. The BBQld Operations Director, or delegate, will carry out the assessment and reply with the result. If the project is insufficient in some respect the candidate may be asked by the assessor to modify, enlarge, or re-write part of the project and re-submit for assessment. When the project has passed assessment, candidates will receive confirmation from the BBQld Operations Director. Page 4 Issue 1.0
THE DRILL ASSESSMENT Purpose Drill has historically been part of the Boys Brigade Method and together with Uniform is a fundamental way of gauging attitude to discipline, leadership and self-respect. Preparation The candidate should prepare for assessment under the supervision of an experienced Company or Battalion Officer or a very experienced senior NCO. The specific requirements for assessment are listed on the next page and should be thoroughly understood by the candidate before applying for assessment. As an alternative method of preparation the BBQld Training Directorate facilitates Senior Boys Drill Training Weekends each year within the Brisbane metropolitan area. At these weekends boys can undertake final training and part, if not all, of their assessment. In recommending a boy for acceptance at one of these weekends a Captain needs to be sure that the boy knows basic drill and have studied the Drill Manual particularly about teaching and leading drill. It is strongly recommended that candidates for the BB Knowledge Badge attend a Drill Training Weekend, if possible. Your Drill assessment can only be carried out by an Officer authorised by the BBQld Operations Director. can take place at: A Drill Training Weekend; Some other training course conducted by The Boys Brigade Queensland; Battalion/Group Council Drill Competition; or Company level (subject to attendance by an approved Assessor) Page 5 Issue 1.0
THE BB KNOWLEDGE DRILL STANDARD Overview The candidate is assessed on two principal areas: the ability to instruct a squad; and the ability to Drill a squad using the movements specified below. Instruction Candidates must be prepared to instruct a squad in the required movements, as set out below. The candidate is being assessed on his knowledge of the particular movements and on his ability as an instructor to teach those movements to Boys. Page 8 of the BB Drill Manual provides hints on instruction. Candidates are strongly encouraged to make use of appropriate training aids during their presentation. (ie chalk board or white board, models, notes and diagrams, etc.) Candidates may not simply read from notes in lecture style but should approach the exercise as though they were teaching a squad of new recruits, requiring full and detailed instruction in each movement. Instruction Exercises Part A - any 2 of the following Turning at the halt (right or left) Right dress Saluting Stepping forward, Back or to the Side Part B - any 3 of the following Turning on the march (right, left or about) Changing time (Quick to slow, or slow to quick) Marching in Slow Time (in Line) Marching on the Incline (in Line) Falling In, including Posting the Marker Part C - either Forming Squad (halt to halt); or Changing Direction when in Line (move to halt) Drill Sequence Candidates shall demonstrate competence in drilling a squad using all of the following movements: Fall in Marching in Line & in File Right & Left Turns (at the halt) Right, Left or About Turns (on the march) Change Time (quick to slow, or slow to quick) Change Direction when in Line (halt to halt) Form Squad (move to halt) Change direction when in File ( wheel) Fall out Candidates may use any sequence provided it includes all the movements listed above - these are the minimum. Quick and Slow March should be included in the sequence. The sequence should be structured to make best available use of the area. The candidate will be required to complete this section without reference to their written sequence. A copy of the written sequence, including full words of command, is to be submitted to the Assessing Officer before commencement. Page 6 Issue 1.0
THE INTERVIEW Purpose The purpose of the interview is to assess the candidate s general knowledge of The Boys' Brigade, in a manner which provides freedom to explore the depth and breadth of the candidates understanding. The interview provides an opportunity for Officers independent of the candidate s Company to develop an appreciation of his attitude, presentation and personal attributes, and confirm the Captain s recommendation of suitability for BB Knowledge Badge. Preparation Preparation for the interview should take place over the preceding month with the boy reviewing the material outlined below. Captains should, where practical, spend time with candidates and help them to build their confidence in answering the types of questions likely to be asked at the interview. The interview panel shall be briefed by the Company Captain prior to the interview and advised of any condition or circumstance that might prevent the boy from presenting adequately. Matters such as speech impairment, learning difficulties, illness or similar should be discussed confidentially to enable the panel to consider their approach and assessment goals. Candidates and Officers on the panel involved should wear full uniform at the interview. The following topics will be covered during the Boys Brigade Knowledge Badge interview: Knowledge of BB at Company Level Role of the Senior Boy Role of the NCO Role of the Squad Leader Knowledge of BB at Battalion Level Knowledge of BB at State Level BB International PRF Role of the Company No.2 Section Awards System (inc. Queen s Badge Requirements) Boys will be assessed, where practical, by at least two Officers approved by the Operations Director. At least one must be from a Company other than the Boy s own. In situations where this is not possible, an Officer and Church Official may conduct approval, after approval from the Operations Director. will be documented and each candidate will be provided with positive feedback on his performance. The specific areas under which assessment will take place are: Presentation (uniform, personal bearing and attitude) Breadth of knowledge of subject material Depth of knowledge of subject material Key points (i.e. Role of the Senior Boy, Queen s Badge requirements) outcome options are: meets requirements; requires additional training or development in specific areas; or requires extensive development (in exceptional circumstances) With proper preparation and scrutiny by the Company Captain, the vast majority of boys should meet the requirements at their interview. A boy who requires additional training or development in specific areas will be given encouragement and direction on those specifics and invited to re-submit for interview within a specific time (normally no longer than 3 months). Captains will be advised of details accordingly. Where a boy requires extensive development, his Captain will be provided with a report and will be expected to ensure that deficiencies are addressed, after which the boy may re-submit for interview. Page 7 Issue 1.0