Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a non-competitive, flexible programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities for all young people, whatever their background or ability. In gaining the Awards they learn by experience the value of commitment, enterprise and effort. They discover a great deal about themselves and about the enjoyment of working with others. Participation is voluntary and it is great fun!
The Award is a four-section programme with three levels:
- Bronze – for those aged 14 and over (Year 9)
- Silver – for those aged 15 and over (Year 10)
- Gold - for those aged 16 and over (Lower 6th)
The four sections include:
Service - helping people in the community. Our girls have helped at Brownies, Rainbows, Beavers, Cubs, charity shops, RSPCA, old people’s homes, elderly people at home, Sunday school. At Gold level they have the opportunity to take part in the Award Leadership Scheme, which involves teaching Bronze participants.
Skills - covers almost any hobby, skill or interest. Examples include cooking, knitting, singing, music, drama, art, craft and many more.
Physical recreation - sport, dance and fitness. Our girls have done lacrosse, netball, rounders, swimming, horse riding, rock climbing and scuba diving to name but a few.
Expeditions - training for, planning and completing a journey on foot or horseback, by boat or cycle including overnight camping.
Residential Project (Gold Award only) – a purposeful enterprise with people they have not met before for at least five days. Our girls have been on tall ships, Brownie pack holidays and hotel cookery courses to learn cookery skills for university.
At Bronze and Silver levels the Expedition section is run internally. At Gold level the Expeditions are led by an Old Girl with Mountain Leadership qualifications.