Information
Leading youth charity the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme gives all young people the chance to develop skills for work and life, fulfil their potential and have a brighter future. The nationally recognised award creates opportunities for personal development, independence, social and team working skills. Achieving an award will give students skills and confidence, which are looked upon favourably by colleges, universities and employers. Year 10 Silver Award at Townley Grammar School involves team building, camp craft, cooking skills, nutrition skills, basic first aid skills, map navigation and compass skills. Many students will have already taken their Bronze Award during Year 9 but there may be the opportunity to go directly on to the Silver Award in Year 10 for any student who has not already taken the Bronze Award.
Assessment
Bronze Award: Physical, Skill & Volunteering must each be completed for 1 hour a week for a period of 3-6 months and be signed off by an appropriate supervisor of each of the sections.
Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community.
Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities.
Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests.
Expeditions: Practice - 2 days and 1 night Qualifier - 2 days and 1 night
The expedition skills required will be covered in sessions delivered at school. There will be a compulsory session at lunchtime or after school that teaches camp craft, navigation skills, team work and route planning. The expedition section will be assessed through two separate overnight camping expeditions. These involve students planning a route independently with their group and carrying out this route to the campsite and then back to the finish the following day. Students are required to carry everything they need for the expedition on their back and prepare their evening meal on a trangia (camping stove).
Silver Award: Volunteering must be completed for a minimum of 1 hour a week for a period of at least 6 months and then a minimum of 6 months on either Physical or Skills and 3 months on the other. Expeditions: Practice - 3 days and 2 nights Qualifier - 3 days and 2 nights The expedition skills required will be covered in sessions delivered at school.
Application Process and Progression
Students will be required to complete an application form for either the Bronze Award or the Silver Award. Students will be selected through their application forms but also attendance, punctuality, behaviour, previous extra-curricular commitments and school reports will also be taken into consideration. The Gold Award is offered to Year 12 students as part of enrichment (nationally offered to young people aged 16-25 years).
For more information go to www.dofe.org