Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Do you want to gain new skills?
- Would you like to develop resilience and challenge yourself?
- Do you want to gain an award that is recognised by employers and universities?
- Would you like to have fun, make new friends and develop your teamwork skills?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then the Duke of Edinburgh Award could be for you!
From September 2021, all Year 9 and Year 10 students will have the opportunity to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze level. The opportunity to register on the Award will take place in the Autumn term.
In order to pass the award students must complete each of the sections detailed below;
- Skill Development
- Physical Challenge
- Volunteering
- Expedition
To find out more about what you can do for each of the challenges read the Programme Ideas list.
For more information about the award scheme at all levels visit www.dofe.org
More information about the bronze will be delivered to students in Assemblies in the Autumn term. The cost of participation on the Bronze Award will be £192. This includes the cost registration onto the award scheme, badge and certificate, campsite fees and the use of Three Rivers Academy equipment (tents, stoves, gas, maps and compasses). We also have a limited number of expedition rucksacks (65 litre) and waterproofs that can be borrowed by students if needed.
Timescales
Bronze – From Year 9
|
Volunteering |
Physical |
Skills |
Expedition |
|
3 months |
3 Months |
3 Months |
Plan, train for and undertake a 2 day, 1 night practice and qualifying expeditions. |
|
All participants must undertake a further 3 months in the Volunteering, Physical or Skills sections. |
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The Expedition
A Bronze expedition lasts for two days and one night. Students must complete both a practice and qualifying expedition to complete this element of Award. Bronze expedition students must complete at least 6 hours of activity outside of camp each day. This is made up of a mix of journeying and meeting their expedition aim (e.g. wildlife photography, carrying out a litter survey or creating a video diary). They must spend at least three hours journeying and the remainder of the time can be made up of rest breaks, mealtimes and meeting their expedition aims. For example a group who left camp at 9am would not be expected to arrive at the finish line before 3pm.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is not competitive and whilst we do encourage students to use their timings on the route cards, it is not a race. There are no advantages to be gained by completing the expedition in the shortest possible time.
All of the Bronze expeditions (practice and qualifier) will take place in the Surrey Area.
Equipment
The majority of personal equipment (e.g. sleeping bags, roll mats, rucksacks, waterproof jackets and trousers) can often be borrowed from friends and family. However, it is vital that students’ feet are comfortable throughout the walk and we recommend that they have their own walking boots that are worn in before the start of the practice expedition.
Please click here for a copy of Three Rivers Academy kit list. Please remember that this list is for guidance rather than definitive list. For example a waterproof jacket should also be packed, but it may not be necessary to pack a warm hat and gloves during a spell of pleasant weather.
Expedition Groups
An important part of the expedition is the ability to work as a team. At Three Rivers Academy we want to encourage our students to work with people outside of their social circle. Students will be able identify someone that they would like to be in a group with, but the final choice on groupings will lie with Three Rivers Academy staff. Expedition groups are made up of between 4-7 students.
What Can Parents/ Carers Do to help students to prepare for the expeditions?
Encourage students to build stamina by going for regular walks.
- Ensure that they have appropriate footwear they are comfortable walking in.
- Encourage them to get involved in map reading on family outings
- Practise packing and carrying an expedition rucksack
Physical, mental health issues and disability should not be a barrier to participation on the Award. If you would like to discuss any barriers (including financial) to your son/daughter completing the award or if you have any other questions please contact Mr Carter (aaron.carter@threerivers.thpt.org.uk).
Students should be recording their progress towards their skill, physical and volunteering challenges regularly on the D of E website (https://www.edofe.org/). If you have forgotten your password or user name please see Mr Carter.
