On 15th May, a number of Sixth Form pupils visited Buckingham Palace to collect their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
The Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award is the pinnacle of the award scheme. As with the other levels it involves different sections, which include:
- Volunteering – undertaking service to individuals or the community for a minimum of 12 months. Our pupils volunteered at our local primary school and though school leadership roles, among other things.
- Physical – improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities usually for 12 or 18 months.’
- Skills – developing practical and social skills and personal interests usually for six months.
- Expedition: planning, training for, and completion of an adventurous journey lasting four days and three nights in the UK or abroad. Our participants did their practice expedition in the Brecon Beacons and their assessed expedition in the Lake District.
At Gold level, participants must do an additional fifth Residential section, which involves staying and working away from home for five days, doing a shared activity.
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. 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.
It’s clear that our pupils have worked extremely hard for their awards, which are very well deserved. Congratulations to Emily B., Ellie J., Max K., Petr K., Owen M., Olivia M., Freddie S., Euan W. and Izzy Y. on your brilliant achievements.