We are pleased to announce that we will be launching The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for Senior Boys and Girls, effective September 2015. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a youth awards programme founded in the UK in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The programme has since expanded to 140 other countries.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programmes take between one to four years to complete, and must be completed by the participant’s 25th birthday. There are around 300,000 participants annually. The programmes are at three progressive levels which, if successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. With assistance from adult Leaders, participants 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, the participant must work on each section for a minimum period of time, and 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; Silver: 6–9 months; Gold: 12–18 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.
Given that most students are at Bishopstrow for no more than a year, the College will focus on the Volunteering, Physical and Skills areas of the Bronze Award. Lorraine Atkins, the College’s incoming Principal, will lead the programme, which will be voluntary and incorporated within the weekend activities programme at the College.