Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme is the world’s leading youth achievement award, giving millions of 14 to 24-year-olds the opportunity to be the very best they can be.
The programmes take between one and four years to complete, and they must be completed by the participant's twenty-fifth birthday. The programmes are at three progressive levels which, if successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award scheme is available at Highcrest for students in Years 9 and 10. The Duke of Edinburgh Award will begin during the Autumn term for Year 10 pupils and activity sessions to prepare pupils for the necessary survival and life skills to complete the expedition will begin in the Spring term. Activities will include map reading, route planning and camping skills.
The award will be offered to Year 9 pupils in the Spring term, with preparatory activities beginning in the summer term.
KS5 students will be able to register on the Silver Award in Summer 2020.
To register for either Duke of Edinburgh award, you will need to be willing to learn/improve in a new sport and skill, give your time to others by completing service to the community and be up for completing a two-day expedition (at Bronze level).
With assistance from adult Leaders, you will select and set objectives in each of the following areas:
- Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community.
- Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities.
- Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests.
- Expedition: planning, training for, and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad.
To achieve an award, you will need to work on each section for a minimum period of time, and your progress must be monitored and assessed by someone with knowledge of the chosen activities. Each progressive level demands more time and commitment from participants: Bronze 3–6 months and Silver: 6–9 months. Participants are required to show regular activity and commitment to the award for the duration of their DofE programme, which is usually at least one hour per week.
There may be subsidies/grants available to pupil premium pupils.