Duke of Edinburgh
Pupils can take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme from C3 onwards. This is a national scheme that operates throughout the UK and was founded by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh in 1956. Joining the scheme gives the students the opportunity to experience new activities, and to develop new or existing skills.
There are three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each student creates his or her own DofE programme by choosing a volunteering, physical or skills activity and by going on a camping expedition. On a Wednesday lunch time we have chosen to help the community by volunteering in the local charity shops or by helping at Cobham day centre, where the clients have really looked forward to the visits of our pupils. Most choose music as their skill and the choices for the physical activity have included yoga, running, swimming and football.
The Bronze expedition is a weekend hiking and camping in the beautiful local South Downs, whilst for silver we visit the South Downs and the New Forest in Hampshire. Only the very keen students embark on their Gold award, which involves a four-day and three-night expedition in the Lake District carrying all they need for the three days. When the Gold students receive their award they are presented with it at St James's Palace in London in the presence of HRH.
Staff Involved: Jenny Dexter, Sarah Lee