The Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme offers students an opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and development, renowned by employers and universities alike for the qualities young people have who have achieved a Duke of Edinburgh Award. It provides a balanced programme designed to develop the whole person – mind, body and spirit, in an environment of social interaction and team working. There are three progressive levels of Duke of Edinburgh programmes which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

In 2021 we are introducing the Bronze Award to our students. All information regarding the Bronze Award is listed below.

Bronze Award

The Bronze section of the award involves four sections:

 · Volunteering

· Skill

· Physical Recreation

· Expedition

Volunteering

This is all about helping people and the community. It could include helping with ATC, Boys Brigade, Cubs, Scouts, and Guides. It could be any Youth work with your local church, taking a first aid course or helping in a charity shop. This timescale for this section is 3 months.

Skill

This is all about discovering new hobbies and interests (or improving one you already do). If you play an instrument you are halfway there! There are nearly 200 suggestions on the website DofE – The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award ranging from Astronomy to Stamp collecting. This timescale for this section is 3 months.

Physical Recreation

For your physical activity you need to choose any sport, dance or fitness activity – in short, anything that requires a sustained level of energy and physical activity. For example, playing a sport regularly and showing personal improvement would count. However, learning to be a coach in the same sport would be a Skills section activity, whilst being a volunteer coach counts for the Volunteering section. This timescale for this section is 3 months.

The Expedition

This involves preparing for, and carrying out, an adventurous journey as part of a team. The students will go on a practice expedition in Ivanhoe in May and a qualifier in June; each expedition lasts for two days and involves an overnight camp.