At the beginning of the 20th Century, when Brigade was in its infancy, a four-square programme based on Spiritual, Physical, Educational and Service activities evolved.

The initial letters of these words spelt SPES - the Latin word for HOPE. It was said then that each girl in Girls’ Brigade was a HOPE for the future.

Within these files we are opening doors to new and relevant activities for our
girls, whilst maintaining those high ideals and traditional values that are so important.

the SPES files
These are designed to meet the needs of all our girls. They are planned in such a way that those with creativity and imagination can determine their own
activities guided by the generic syllabi.

Those needing more structure and guidance can delve into these files where there are numerous ways in which the generic syllabi can be interpreted.

Using the SPES files

1 Decide which section of the 4-square programme you need to work on: Spiritual, Physical, Educational or Service

2 Choose one of the four generic syllabi listed under your chosen section
links below

The 16 Generic Syllabi - SPES files can be downloaded by clicking the download icon

you may need PDF Reader to see these documents, if you don’t already have Adobe Reader, simply click the Adobe logo to download.

to download PDF documents to your own computer, simply move your mouse over the link, right click your mouse and choose ‘save target as...’

(Each generic syllabus has its own logo which will be seen throughout the SPES files, identifying associated activities)

3 Read the chosen generic syllabus:
EITHER : determine your own activities to fulfil the requirements of the generic syllabus
OR : use some of the suggested activities included later in the SPES files, remembering that they need not be followed in precise detail, they are guidelines that should be adapted and amended to suit your girls and your circumstances.

4 Note the time requirements which apply in order to maintain consistency and fairness. Normally it is expected that a generic syllabus will be completed over a series of weeks but Officers should ensure that these minimum times are fulfilled.

Explorers - 2 hours
Juniors - 3 hours
Seniors - 3 and half hours
Brigaders - 4 hours

When an extended period of work is required this should be as follows:
Explorers - 4 weeks
Juniors - 6 weeks
Seniors - 2 months
Brigaders - 3 months