Frequently Asked Questions

We offer the Silver level to Grade 9s and Gold level* to Grade 11s.

Note: Applications to Gold level opens in the later part of G10 academic year due to the 18 months commitment (for a direct entrant to the programme). 

Depending on your award level, the minimum period varies.  On average, you will have just over an hour to do every week. You have until the age of 30 to complete the award, however most students will complete it in their time here in UWCSEA, typically:

 The minimum commitment for each level: 

Silver 12 months

Gold 18 months

When signing up for the programme, you choose:

1. A specific day that you are available for diary check - we only see you once a month for the diary check throughout the school year. You will be assigned to a NYAA Facilitator.

2. After-training school session every week in Season 2 (Silver only) and Season 4 (Gold only) - Your group will be taught by an NYAA teacher. 

• Silver Training will be theoretical (e.g. map and compass work, route planning and preparing your tent group's provisions), hands on first aid practices (Emergency Procedures), practicing cooking and tent pitching as well out of campus (e.g. searching for fire hydrants as a mapping exercises, hiking in Eastern Coastal Loop and practising bearings readings). 

• Gold Training will focus on their Practice Weekend and Qualifying Expedition route cards.

3. Training Weekend - This is mandatory as you will be building up your navigational skill and map reading. This is the opportunity to apply all the skills and work together with your team mates at the weekend. The weekend will help you prepare for your Silver and Gold expedition.

4. Silver and Gold Expeditions 

• Silvers choose an expedition offered by the Outdoor Education department. The expedition is compulsory. 

• Golds expedition venue is Japan (Myoko, Nagano region). This expedition is during the first week of October break in the G12 academic year.

Yes, you need to digitally add your activity hours in the portal. The teachers have access to your account and will be able to read them in your presence during the monthly lunchtime diary meeting.

You could be doing the Healthy Living development on your own, such as improving your cooking or art skills. But you will have to have a non-relative adult check your progress regularly as your contact person. If you cannot find someone to assess your work, contact the NYAA Council of Singapore and they will help you find an assessor. 

The Community Leadership Initiative is only for Gold participants. If you're not doing Gold, you don't have to do it. 

If you are doing Gold, you will need to initiate a project that will benefit the chosen community. The project must be Service-orientated and the hours contributed to this activity category cannot be duplicated for your Service Learning category.

If you haven't completed all your requirements by the deadline, you will not be receiving the award that year. However, once you are done with your requirements, you can inform us so that we can facilitate this to the NYAA Council. You can still receive the award the following year (before the next Awards Ceremony). 

Yes. You will be notified if you are receiving the award, and then you will have to be present in person to accept the award. 

Yes. You still need to complete the minimum requirement. Once that is completed, the NYAA Staff will check and submit it to the NYAA Council on your behalf. We will contact you once your certificate is ready.