Answer 1

 No – activities can only appear in one category. Most are flexible and you can choose whether voluntary work goes into working life or volunteering, but you cannot use it in both. Additional hours will however mean you are getting more experience, and deeper learning.

Answer 2

Yes – you can undertake as many activities as you would like to in order to achieve your minimum 20 hours. You should make reference to all your proposed activities in your plan.  

Answer 3

Yes you can, although it is worth bearing in mind that you will need to show deeper learning in your reflective portfolio because of the additional time you have spent on that activity. 

Answer 4 

No, the Award does not carry any academic credit, however, it does reward your extra-curricular learning which is equally as important to potential employers, and will appear on your Higher Education Achievement Report at graduation.

 Answer 5

You won’t receive your certificate until you graduate even if you complete the Award in your first or second year. You will of course be entitled to put the successful completion of the scheme on your CV and job applications. 

 Answer 6

You are able to undertake the activities that contribute towards your Award throughout your time at Plymouth. You are allowed to be registered on the scheme for the same duration as your course, however, you need to remember to leave yourself enough time to write your reflective portfolio which will be due in April of your final year. If you finish during your first or second year, that’s fine, but you won’t receive your certificate until graduation.

Answer 7

 No – we will provide you with a web link to an online template that you can complete.

Answer 8

Yes – one of the options you can select on the plan template is retrospective counting, but you still need to submit this to the Award team.

Answer 9

You will be invited to attend a session in February which will explain all the requirements of the portfolio.

 Answer 10

During the welcome sessions held throughout the year, we will introduce students to using e-Portfolio. Further tutorials can be arranged on a 1-2-1 basis if this is required.

Answer 11

Once you have paid, the system will link you to the TULIP site (PLYM001). However, this may take a couple of days, and a member of our team will email you to confirm when this has happened.

Answer 12

Yes, the introductory session explained the benefits of the Award and the process you will go through. The welcome session is only for students who have signed up and will introduce students to the ‘logistics’ of the Award, and to using e-Portfolio.
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