Scouts

Intent

The Scouts movement is the largest co-educational youth movement in the world and our Scouts group – Deepdale Central (PMGHS), is the largest all-girls’ Scout group in the country. Despite being founded more than a century ago, the Scouts movement remains popular.

Every pupil in PMGHS from Year 7 and Year 8 access the Scouts’ educational programme.

Over 240 Girl Scouts are invested each year, whereby an investiture ceremony takes place, and the Girl Scouts take an oath before formally entering the Scouts Group. The oath involves making an honourable promise; this has been adapted to reflect the core religious beliefs of the Girl Scouts:

In the name of Allah,
The Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful.
I promise that I will do my best,
To do my duty first to Allah,
Then to the King and the country in which I live,
To help other people
And to keep the Scout Law

Another suitable, more pertinent title for ‘Scouts’ would be “Living Islam”.

Scouts allows our Muslimah Pupils to access activities and skills relevant to the 21^st century, especially while living in the Western World; the underpinnings being of a strong foundation of their faith.

Scouts in PMGHS opens opportunities for all pupils including Pupil Premium, who may not otherwise be able to access these, whether these constraints may be financial or even know-how. In fact, currently there is a waiting list of over 100,000 Young People in the UK who are desperately wanting to join Scouts. Many parents are of the belief that their child being in a Scout group is a welcome break from tablets, laptops and social media.

The holistic provision of Scouts bolsters our pupils with the capabilities required to engage fully in the wider world whilst consolidating their Islamic identity. They engage in activities which may be classed as ‘middle-class’ by the mainstream, such as rifle shooting or even hiking in the Great Outdoors.

The Scouting provision permits our pupils to engage with charities working closely with PRSHE and enrichment provisions in school. One of the core tenets of Deepdale Central (PMGHS) Scouts is that ‘charity begins at home’, thus working with local charities to support local vulnerable people in our community is paramount.

Some of the local charities include special needs children, elderly ladies (otherwise known as Halaqah Grannies), widows, widowers, Emmaus (homeless charity). The Girl Scouts embolden themselves by choosing where they would like to make a community impact and thus choose their local charity accordingly.

Implementation

The skills gained from the achieving the Chief Scout Gold Top Award is exactly the kinds of skills employers, apprenticeships, colleges or universities are looking for.

Impact

Pupils are independently researching their locality to identify needs which they can then work towards redressing. They use their voice, planning, teamwork and other Scouting skills to then take action; to support these charities to make a real difference. In Deepdale Central Scouts, the focus on charity work is more on meeting local needs as opposed to solely fundraising.

Pupils have shown that they are increasing in their understanding and implementation of service to others and looking beyond oneself. During sleepovers, including the Iftar Under The Stars (IUTS) event, Girl Scouts were found to be working diligently with each other to set up meal times, clear up and assist in organising with the adult leaders. Pupils demonstrate independence and decision-making skills.

Pupils’ increased awareness of others is evidenced by the ‘Nanas & Dadas Widowers’’ event they organised and hosted. They recognised a growing need for support for the widowers in our community, recognising that widows are often recognised in offered support whereas men are often overlooked. Pupils were recognised on their manners and the use of their initiative to serve these over- 60s widowers with respect, patience and dignity. 

Pupils are more readily opting for leadership roles within scouts. Currently Year 8 Girl Scouts are mentoring and teaching the Year 7 Girl Scouts scouting skills. The aim is for them to continue on this trajectory of practising leadership skills by putting themselves forward for roles such as prefect, head girl within school and even volunteering outside of school.

Research:

In May 2023, Demos (the UK’s leading independent cross-party think tank) launched new research with its findings being launched in Parliament.

The report produced from the research, focused particularly on how Scouts (as an example) builds strong relationships and social experiences, and how they develop the skills and attributes that employers are looking for, and for young people to enter the world of work and progress in their careers.

Key findings

• 74% of Scouts alumni felt optimistic about getting what they want out of their careers, compared to 47% of people who didn’t do extracurricular activities.
• 53% of those who went to Scouts felt prepared starting work for the first time, compared to 37% people who didn’t take part in any extracurricular activities.
• 60% of Scouts alumni agreed that taking part in extracurricular activities helped prepare them for their careers, in comparison to 49% of non-Scouts (including those who did other activities).

Wider Reading: Scouts

The Scouts team, at Preston Muslim Girls’ High School, provide encouragement and opportunities to foster a love of learning and adventure through reading during nights away/sleepovers, in the quest for earning the Nights Away & Outdoors badges

Scouting adventures and reading are synonymous with each other. Reading is a very practical tradition within Scouting and ties in perfectly with the Scouting spirit of adventure.

• To Grow as Leaders at School and in the Community
  Reading helps us to learn how others have faced challenges, made a difference, and shown courage — the same values that Girl Scouts at Deepdale Central show every day. It helps us to become confident leaders, ready to take initiative in our school and beyond.
• To Strengthen Communication and Teamwork Skills
  Books introduce new ideas, perspectives, and vocabulary — all of which help us to express ourselves clearly and work better together on troop projects, events, and badges.
• To Celebrate Diversity and Culture
  Deepdale Central and PMGHS are part of a wonderfully diverse community. Reading stories from different authors and backgrounds helps Girl Scouts appreciate and respect different cultures — living out the Girl Scout Law of being considerate and caring.
• To Boost Creativity for Badges and Projects
  Reading sparks imagination — whether it’s writing stories for the Writers Badge, planning a creative art piece, or dreaming up ways to help the community.
• To Become More Adventurous and Brave
  Adventure books take us on exciting journeys — from climbing mountains to exploring forests or discovering hidden treasures. When Girl Scouts read about brave characters who take risks and explore the unknown, it inspires them to be more adventurous in real life — whether it’s trying a new activity, camping outdoors, or stepping outside their comfort zone.
• To Build Confidence and Character
  Strong readers become strong thinkers. Books inspire us to stand up for what’s right, try new things, and believe in yourselves — just like true Girl Scouts do.

At Deepdale Central (PMGHS), Girl Scouts are even encouraged to bring a book to read at each of their sleepovers! Whether it’s an adventure story, a mystery, or a favourite novel, it’s a great way to relax, share stories, and maybe even read aloud together before bed.

Below is a list of books that Girl Scouts, along with their family, can read in their own space and time.

Books that inspire bravery, curiosity, and a love of the outdoors — perfect for adventurous Girl Scouts!