Duke of Edinburgh

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The Duke of Edinburgh Award aims to provide young people between 14 and 25 years of age with an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of personal development, which is of the highest quality and the widest reach.

Pupils can undertake a Duke of Edinburgh Programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. At each level there are four sections; Volunteering, Learning a New Skill, Physical Recreation and Expeditions as well as a fifth section (Residential Project) for participants undertaking the Gold Award.

Here at Francis Holland, every student in Year 9 is encouraged to attempt the Bronze Award, with our year group trip to the Lake District in the Summer Term acting as their expedition assessment. The Silver Award is offered to girls wishing to continue their journey in Year 10 and the Gold Award to those girls who are committed to the long-term requirements of the programme, in Years 12 and 13. Currently we have over 150 girls enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh Programme across all three Awards.

As well as being a fantastic way to develop friendships, the Award allows pupils to develop many skills including problem-solving, communication, self-belief, self-discipline, team-building and responsibility (and it’s fun too!). It’s also a recognised qualification that future employers value and respect. Gaining an Award is a matter of pride, giving pupils a sense of achievement and a confidence that will remain with them for the rest of their life.

“We learnt many life skills during those three days, patience being a virtue was definitely a major skill we had to abide by. But after all it was worth it, and most of us will be continuing to Gold!” – Jacqueline, Silver Expedition

“It was difficult and tiring, but with grit and resilience, we got through it, and made it a memory we will all cherish.” – Andrea, Bronze Expedition

D of E News

Year 9 Expedition to the Lake District (3)

Year 9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition in the Lake District

Year 10 Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expedition

Year 10 Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award Practice Expedition in the South Downs

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