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Duke of Edinburgh Award
Duke of Edinburgh Award: We are a recognised centre for the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold Level.
We offer our Year 10 students the opportunity to take the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze Level and if successful to continue onto Silver in Year 11. Our former students return to complete the Award at Gold Level.
- The Award Scheme offers young people a challenge through a balanced programme of activities, in which they are encouraged to serve others, acquire new skills and experience adventure.
- The Award must be undertaken in the participant's leisure time.
- It is non-competitive, being based on individual improvement and achievement, reflecting personal choice, initiative and perseverance.
- This is one award which is available to all with no discrimination on grounds of sex, cultural background, ability, religion or political affiliation.
- Participants can develop existing interests or try something new. Whatever they choose to do for their award, they can find enjoyment, excitement and satisfaction.
- The Award offers progression through its three levels; Bronze for those over fourteen, Silver for those over fifteen and Gold for those over sixteen. The upper age limit for the completion of all awards is twenty-five.
- Through its three levels the award programme demands more time and increasing commitment and improvement. At Bronze level participants need strong support from adult helpers, but at Gold they should be largely responsible for organising their own award programme with the guidance of adults.
- There are four sections of the award which must be completed; Service, Expedition/Exploration, Skills and Physical Recreation.
The Bronze Award
Service
This section is based on the belief that members of a community have a responsibility to each other and that voluntary help is needed. Participants are required to train for, and where possible, give service to others.
Minimum Time - 3 months
Examples - Helping the Elderly, Fund Raising, Care for Animals, Life Saving, Road Safety and Fire Service.
Expeditions
This section encourages a sense of adventure and discovery. All ventures involve journeying in the countryside, on waterways or at sea, conceived with a purpose and undertaken on foot, by cycle or on horseback, or in canoes or boats, without motorised assistance. The venture must present the participants with an appropriate challenge in terms of purpose and achievement.
Minimum Distance/Time - (over two days)
Foot - 24 km/15 miles
Cycle - 112 km/70 miles
Paddling/Rowing/Riding - 4 hours/day
Sailing - 6 hours/day
All expeditions require a full training programme, which will include practice expeditions, before assessment can take place.
Expedition Dates
Saturday 17 October 2009 - Day walk on the Quantocks
Saturday 27 February 2010 - Day walk on the Mendips
Friday 23 - Sunday 25 April 2010 - Practice Expedition
Friday 11 - Sunday 13 June 2010 - Assessment Expedition
Skills
This section aims to encourage the discovery and development of personal interests, and social and practical skills. These interests must be sustained over a period of time, leading to a deeper knowledge of the subject and the attainment of a reasonable degree of skill.
Minimum Time - 3 months
Examples - Amateur Radio, Bee Keeping, Dog Training, Foreign Language, Fishing, Choir, Photography.
Physical Recreation
This section encourages participation in Physical Recreation and improvement of performance. To qualify, participants must show improvement of overall performance in the chosen activity, show effort, and show progress based on their initial knowledge and ability.
Minimum Time - 3 months
Examples - Badminton, Canoeing, Gymnastics, Dance, Golf, Hockey, Riding, Rowing, Sailing, Swimming.
An additional three months must be undertaken in any on the Service, Skills or Physical Education sections.
Students are responsible for their Record Books which need to be signed by an Assessor for each section of the Award. A family member should not be an Assessor.