Duke of Edinburgh Award
In the lower sixth we offer students the chance to work towards their Gold Award, this is a prestigious achievement that is highly regarded by employers and is no easy ride for the participants. Our experienced team monitors and cajoles the participants into getting themselves organised and booking up their residential (an often overlooked section that is unique to the Gold Award) Participants undertake a wide variety of volunteer work, including giving their time to assist in local primary schools, where they help young people with their reading or sports training, with local hospital visiting groups, with environmental and wildlife projects in the local village and through raising significant sums of money for local charities. The gold expedition is a true test of an individual’s stamina, character and ability to work as part of a team. Students undertake a rigorous and detailed training programme both in school and in wild country, this culminates in a qualifying expedition on Dartmoor, which finishes with a celebratory dinner where participants make their presentations. Approximately 40% of the lower sixth students embark upon their gold award and many complete this by the time they leave at the end of year 13.