We are proud to have been running the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme for over 25 years. We believe that from Year 10 our pupils should get involved with this valuable programme. The benefits of committing to and sticking with D of E, as it is affectionately known, for the individual are numerous, your child will develop greater self-belief, self-confidence and a sense of identity.
As your child progresses through each stage their independence will flourish as will their sense of responsibility for themselves and others. Within each level (Bronze, Silver and Gold) there are modules they must complete before they achieve that award. Through the volunteering, skill, physical and expedition modules they will gain an awareness of their latent skills and abilities, of what their strengths and weaknesses are and how to accommodate them, and they will learn to effectively plan and manage their time. They will serve others in the community and in so doing learn from them, they will also learn to build and maintain new relationships as well as the skills needed to effectively communicate with others. Finally they will learn to problem solve and give presentations – when they complete the programme they will be an individual with experiences that will support them for the rest of their life regardless of where it takes them.
Introduction by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (from the official Duke of Edinburgh’s Award website)
“Young people growing up in this modern complicated world have many difficulties to face, and opportunities for personal achievement are often limited. At the same time, parents, teachers, voluntary organisation leaders and employers, who recognise their responsibilities towards young people, also have their problems. This scheme is intended to help both the young as well as those who are concerned for their welfare.”
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Practice Expedition
The intrepid Year 11s tackled some of the worst weather they are ever likely to experience when undertaking their Silver practice expedition. They stayed in the Hope Valley, Derbyshire and completed their expedition very well, despite having to cope with high winds on Mam Tor and exceptionally cold rain and winds on Sunday across Abney Moor. The conditions they experienced were the worst we have had on a Silver expedition. We are very proud of them; the girls’ spirits remained high and they arrived smiling at the minibus to take them home