Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is well established now at Cardinal Newman Catholic School. Giving students from year 10 upwards the opportunity to participate in all three levels Bronze, Silver and Gold.
WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?
To achieve each award, students must complete a personal programme of activities in four sections (five for Gold) - Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition and for Gold, a Residential. These involve helping people or the community as a whole, getting fitter, developing new skills, planning and going on an expedition and taking part in a residential activity (Gold only). The best bit is - you get to choose what you do!
WHY DO THE DofE?
- While achieving an award you gain new skills, confidence and learn to be more self-sufficient and self-motivated. Proving you have a set of skills and attributes that are looked for and valued by employers, colleges and universities.
- You will be recognised for your contribution and dedication, in activities you have chosen (and may even be doing already).
- You will make a difference to other people’s lives and your community, be fitter and healthier, make new friends and have memories to last you a lifetime
Your Duke of Edinburgh programme can be tailored to your own tastes and preferences. If there is a local issue or cause that you feel passionate about, or a skill that you have always wanted to acquire, this is your opportunity to make a difference and be recognised for it. Along the way you’ll pick up experiences, friends and talents that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
…So, you’re gaining new skills, developing yourself as an individual, helping others, being recognised and celebrated for your hard work and having fun doing it! - the question should really be, why wouldn’t you do it?
For further information, Speak to Mr Eaton - Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator, or email: thomas.eaton@cncs.school
Or, Miss Johnson: Samantha.johnson@cncs.school
More detailed information on the award can be found at: https://www.dofe.org/
NEWS - Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
This year we have 50 students signed up to complete their Bronze award. Their first training session will take place soon, where they will learn to read a map and navigate using a compass, plan a route and travel safely and considerately on their expeditions.
Prior to their practice expedition in May, they will complete further training on the kit they will be using such as tents, stoves and how to pack their kit.
June will see the assessment expedition and (hopefully) the completion of their award.
Last year, we had nearly 50 students completing their award with almost 30 attending a ceremony at Coventry cathedral in February to collect their certificates and badges. Well done to all for your fantastic work!
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award
We currently have 17 students signed up to complete their Silver award. All the students that have signed up completed their Bronze award last year and have chosen to carry on with their DofE journey.
They have their Planning day coming up for their practice expedition and will be travelling to Cannock Chase to complete their 3 days of adventure at the start of April.
After their GCSEs in July we will be off to the Peak District for their assessment expedition. The Peak district is a beautiful area and very different terrain to the bronze routes. Previous groups have loved the freedom and surroundings that come at this stage of their award… Something for the students to look forward to after a stressful few months!
Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
This year’s Gold award will be a walking expedition. There will be a 3-day practice expedition and then later in the year the students
will take part in a 5-day assessment, most likely in Wales. This will be a tough and very physical challenge for the students, with steep terrain and 4 full days walking. Bags will be heavy for the first couple of days until food stores become a little further depleted. Add into all of this 4-nights camping and unpredictable weather and you can see what an achievement achieving this award really is!
Best of luck to all of the students taking part across the award scheme!
Mr Eaton, Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator