They really do give certificates out for everything these days

[Cesaria]

Boy gets prize for catching a bus | Metro.co.uk

Most of the commuter Brits I guess have seen this one since it was in the free paper that gets given out at stations on a morning but thought it might amuse someone:



Schoolboy Bobby McHale has strolled his way to exam success – without even realising it.

In an apparent gift to critics who insist tests are being dumbed down, the 15-year-old was awarded a prize certificate simply for catching a bus. Alas, his brother, 13-year-old Joe, failed.

Bobby did not realise he was being marked for the everyday 'challenge' of walking to his local bus stop and clambering on board.

That is, not until a certificate from exam board AQA popped through his letter box.

It congratulated Bobby for successfully completing the 'Using Public Transport (Unit 1)' assignment.

Its essential curriculum included: 'Walk to the local bus stop. Stand or sit... and wait for the arrival of a public bus. Sit on the bus and observe through the windows.'

The form that told Bobby he'd passed
The form that told Bobby he'd passed

But father Andy – who does not know why his younger son failed –suggested there may have been a miscarriage of justice.

'Bobby was surprised because he doesn't look out of the window – he listens to his music,' said Mr McHale. 'We're all a little bemused.'

Bobby unknowingly 'sat' the test during a two-week summer holiday scheme called Bury and Rochdale Active Generation.

Bury Council, which organised the £20,000 project, said it aimed to improve youngsters' 'self-reliance', making their own way to sports, dance and arts events.

Youth support services director Barbara Lewis insisted: 'For some, it may be the only qualifications they get.'

AQA added: 'We would expect centres to ensure candidates are entered for units that are appropriate to their needs and abilities.'

The certificate can be added to a school portfolio, although it is not a formal qualification. But, after being nominated as head boy, it seems Bobby is already on the road to success.

His father added: 'We think he may go far – so long as he gets the No.135.'

I laughed once upon a time when I read my local bus company's website and found their guide on how to catch a bus but it was obviously required reading for this lark.

[Isiolia]

Achievement Unlocked... Took the Bus?

[wop]

AQA's ACTUAL guideline + certificate for the bus thingy
Image is protected, I can't seem to save it. I'll type it out exactly instead.

AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)-Unit Award Scheme, Unit Award Statement

XXX, a student of XXX, has completed the following unit of work.
USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT (UNIT1)

In completing the unit, the student has:
1) walk to the local bus stop
2) stand or sit at the bus stop and wait for the arrival of a public bus
3) enter the bus in a calm and safe manner
4) be directed to a downstairs seat by a member of staff
5) sit on the bus and observe through the window
6) wait until the bus has stopped, stand on request and exist the bus

AQA has a certificate to pass a cold drinks test too.

1) Select glass or cup
2) Take container of cordial
3) Remove lid. Pour into cup and appropriate amount
4) Replace container cap
5) Identify cold water tap
6) Turn on tap
7) Put cup under tap. Fill to appropriate level with water.
8) Turn off tap when cup is sufficiently full. Stir and mix.

[Mizango]

Achievement Unlocked... Took the Bus?

lol that is exactly what I was thinking.

[Korietsu]

Thank god I don't live in Britannia.