The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding personal development programme available to young people aged 14 to 25. Those who participate in the scheme acquire new skills and experience adventure, and their achievements are widely recognised in education and employment. Programmes can be undertaken at three levels, which when completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

At Hall School Wimbledon, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is available to all pupils in Years 10 and 11. More than 30 of our Year 10 pupils have expressed interest in the Bronze Award practice expedition in September 2011, and a group of Year 11 pupils will be starting the Silver Award this year.

The Duke of Ediburgh’s Award Scheme is divided into four stages (with an extra residential section for Gold); participants must satisfactorily complete each stage.

Volunteering

Pupils choose from a variety of commitments. Previous Hall School Wimbledon pupils have been involved in dredging the River Wandle, volunteering at local charity shops, or helping out at Dean City Farm. The school is also embarking on a partnership with Barnes Community Centre, which will open up volunteering opportunities for future participants in the scheme.

Physical

The award is based on individual improvement and achievement. Pupils at Hall School Wimbledon often play for local rugby, football or squash clubs, compete in cycling events, or participate in the Wimbledon Tennis Championships as ball girls and boys.

Skill

Pupils may choose from many leisure time activities. Previous Hall School Wimbledon pupils have improved their understanding of another language, progressed by a grade on a musical instrument, or demonstrated their cooking skills.

Expedition

The Expedition is inevitably the component that pupils most look forward to. At Hall School Wimbledon, pupils spend two days hiking and camping in rural and urban areas over a distance of at least 12 miles while navigating, cooking and pitching their tents independently.

For the Bronze Award, the Volunteering, Physical and Skill components should be simultaneously executed for at least two hours a week for three months and must not be completed during school time. After three months, the candidate is required to continue with just one component for a further three months.

The Silver Award is more demanding because participants spend a minimum of six months volunteering. For the Physical and Skills components, they must spend a minimum of six months on one component and three months on the other. The Expedition involves planning, training for and undertaking a three day (two night) expedition.

Benefits of the Award Scheme

The benefits of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme are numerous; it helps young people develop negotiating and team skills, it promotes leadership ability, and teaches candidates how to improvise – qualities that employers, colleges and universities truly value. The tenacity required to keep going when enduring difficult weather conditions is also invaluable.

Hall School Wimbledon pupils greatly benefit from participating in this scheme and are strongly encouraged to get involved. Along with the occasional blister and aching shoulders, our pupils pick up experiences and talents that remain with them for the rest of their lives.

For more information, please visit www.dofe.org

Staff

Mr J Furness-Gibbon, Coordinator for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme

Mrs A Davies, Instructor and Assessor

Mr J Edmonds, Instructor and Assessor