|
Duke of Edinburgh
The chance to participate in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is offered to all students over 14 years of age. The certificates that will hopefully be gained are highly regarded in many walks of life, but more importantly, the activities undertaken are thoroughly enjoyable though, at times, quite demanding.
The award is split into 3 levels; Gold, Silver and Bronze. Each level is broken down into 4 sections; Volunteering, Skills, Service and Expedition (plus residential for Gold). Volunteering, Skills and Service will be undertaken in the participants own time while the Expedition section is covered by D of E staff and involves training followed by a practice and an assessed expedition.
Participants can choose to join Duke of Edinburgh at the start of Year 10 and follow the Bronze Award. The Silver award is undertaken in year 11 and the Gold in the Sixth Form. They meet regularly throughout the year to cover aspects of the Expedition Training and advice on options and encourage completion of the other Sections. They are organised into groups of 4 – 7 and plan the practice expedition and then the assessment.
Part of the Duke of Edinburgh concept is that it is a regular commitment over a period of time, rather than something which can be achieved quickly. Service can vary from attending a course run by the emergency services, to voluntary work with children, charity shops or elderly people. The service must be voluntary, and a regular commitment over the specified period of time. Students may also use their service activity to count towards their 'V' Awards.
