Mr T Pilling
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Manager
We are delighted to be able to offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels here at Prince Henry’s. We have a large number of pupils taking part in the Award Scheme each year and we hope that it is something you will consider taking part in.
The aim of the Award Scheme is to offer young people the chance to strive for achievement, overcome obstacles, and set their minds to a personal challenge; when you prove to yourself that you’re ready for anything, nothing can hold you back. The Founder HRH Prince Philip once said, “There is more in you than you might think” and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme can help you realise that.
Prince Phillip
We want to ensure that the Award is accessible to every student here at Prince Henry’s and we have a number of schemes to help with this. From kit hire to volunteering ideas, we are always happy to help. We hope that this booklet provides you with a flavour of what the Award Scheme entails and if you have any questions, or would like any further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
There are four main sections of a DofE Award: Physical, Skills, Volunteering and the Expedition section. At Gold, you’ll also get the opportunity to take part in an exciting fifth section – the Residential.
• Physical
The section is all about improving your physical fitness. You can choose any sport, dance or fitness activity to enjoy over the required time.
Examples of activities that students at Prince Henry’s have done for their Physical include rock climbing, Zumba and hockey.
• Skill
For your Skills activity you need to choose an activity that will allow you to prove you have broadened your understanding and increased your expertise in your chosen skill. It should not be a physical activity, for example horse riding, as this counts towards your Physical section, however, you could choose to learn about caring for horses.
Examples of skills that students at Prince Henry’s have learnt include knitting, Sign Language and First Aid.
• Volunteering
This is your opportunity to make a positive impact by doing something meaningful, either in person or on online. An opportunity could be found at school, within our local community, or further afield.
Examples of Volunteering projects that students at Prince Henry’s have done include being part of Interact, helping in a local charity shop and writing letters to those in need.
• Expedition
For your Expedition section, you will need to plan, train for and complete an unaccompanied, self-reliant expedition with an agreed aim. Your expedition must be completed by your own physical efforts with minimal external intervention and without motorised assistance. Your route should also be a continuous journey. At Prince Henry’s all of our expeditions are completed on foot. We stay local and go to The Cotswolds for the Bronze Award, visit Shropshire and The Black Mountains for the Silver Award and head up to Eryri for the Gold Award.
• Residential (Gold only)
For your Residential section you need to undertake a shared activity or specific course with people you don’t know, in a residential setting away from home and in an unfamiliar environment. Evenings are often as much a part of the experience as daytime activities.
This section offers a high degree of flexibility but it must be done with an organised group, registered charity or Approved Activity Provider. You must join it individually and not with an existing group of friends or as part of the school.
In the past, students at Prince Henry’s have completed the NCS programme, taken part in a photography course and learned to scuba dive.
