FAQs
Can a family member - such as a parent - be an Assessor?
Family members (including extended family) cannot act as the Assessor for any section of the Award
Can I do the Award before the stated ages?
You can start your Bronze Award in the school year that you turn 14 (so that you can work through your Award journey with your peers). This means that you will be able to start Silver once you have completed your Bronze Award, but you must wait until you are 16 to start your Gold Award.If you are a direct entrant to Silver (i.e. you haven't done Bronze), you must wait until you are 15 to start your Silver Award.
How do I access the Online Record Book?
Simply visit
https://onlinerecordbook.org or copy and paste the link into your browser. Then either log in (if you already have an account) or click the 'Register' button to create a new account.
Do I have to record my activities online?
Yes, all participants are expected to use the Online Record Book.
How do I change Award Units if I need to?
Contact us for a list of suitable Award Units if you don’t already have one to move to, and we will happily make the change for you.
What do I need to do for each level?
What happens if I need to take a break from one of my activities?
The Online Record Book will calculate how long the gap is, and automatically adjust your completion date for that section as soon as you start the activity again.
Where can I find activities to do for my sections?
Find the activity options in your region
here.
Do activities such as Army Cadets or GirlGuiding count if I've registered for the Award through my school?
Yes. Your activities do not have to be provided by, or linked to, your Award Unit, but you do need to discuss your choices with your Award Leader before you start.
Can I do the Award if I have a disability or medical condition?
Absolutely! Your activities are done to the best of your ability, rather than a set of bench-marked standards so in most cases you will be able to do your Award if you have a disability or a medical condition
Can I do the Award if I don't have an Award Unit nearby?
Yes, you can enrol at, and be mentored by, an
Open Award Centre if you are not able to access an Award Unit locally.
What if I can't make it on the Adventurous Journey being run by my school?
Go to your region on our map to find the Approved Activity Providers that offer Adventurous Journeys in your area. Note that the list includes both commercial providers and voluntary providers.
How often should I have contact with my assessor?
The frequency of the contact and monitoring between the Participant and the Assessor will depend on the activity and the age/level of independence of the Participant. As a guide every 2-4 weeks may be appropriate.
Why do the activity hours not match the hours I have entered on my logs?
Each level of the Award has a minimum amount of time required to complete an activity.
Please read this document here
Can I do more than one activity for each section?
ORB allows up to 3 activities per Section however, this should be discussed with you Award Leader.
What if I play a seasonal sport that ends before I've finished my Physical Recreation section?
You can use a different sport in the off-season to make up the time requirements if you need to.
What criteria do I have to meet for my Residential Project?
Criteria for a Residential Project:
- You must be 16 years of age and registered for Gold before starting any section at Gold
- You must be away from home for a minimum of five days and four nights
- You need to be involved in 8 hours of purposeful activity each day
- you should be with people you don't already know
Once you have decided on your Project complete the flowchart checklist here
What does it cost?
Bronze - $86.25
Silver $86.25
Gold $115
Some Award Units may charge an administration fee. Speak with your Award Leader to find out whether they want you to pay National Office directly.