Extra Curricular

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

At Abbey Gate College pupils are introduced to the Bronze Award in Year 9 with Training days in school and an overnight camp in Delamere Forest. The Practice Expedition in North Wales is then undertaken in the summer.

Qualified Mountain Leaders prepare pupils for their forthcoming Expeditions supported by college staff at all levels.
The College provide all equipment in regards to tents, rucksacks, trangia stoves and training using Memory Map in route card design for all Expeditions.
In Year 11 pupils have the opportunity to progress to the Silver Award.
In Years 12 and 13 pupils can then have the opportunity to progress to the Gold Award.

• The Duke of Edinburgh adventure starts by logging onto eDofE - a web based log book where all of their experiences are recorded
• Duke of Edinburgh allows pupils the opportunity to upload all their activities and information once an enrolment form is returned

Why do your Duke of Edinburgh Award?

• You’ll enjoy many new experiences, discover talents you never thought you had, challenge yourself and meet a lot of people just like you. Plus you’ll do things you love and get a kick out of.  It’s a real buzz!
• Achieving an Award will give you skills, confidence and a view on life that everyone is looking for, from employers to colleges and universities.
• You will be getting recognised for doing things you want to do (and may even be doing already).
• You make a difference to other people’s lives and your community, you will be fitter and healthier, make new friends and have memories to last you a lifetime.
• Young people do their Duke of Edinburgh to have fun, and that the support offered by Leaders and friends keeps them engaged.

What is involved?

• Bronze (for those aged 14 and over)
• Silver (for those aged 15 and over) and
• Gold (for those aged 16 and over)

The Sections involve:

• Service (helping other people in the local community)
• Expeditions (training for, planning and completing a journey on foot or horseback, by boat or cycle)
• Skills  (covering almost any hobby, skill or interest)
• Physical Recreation (sport, dance and fitness)
• Residential Project (Gold Award only) (a purposeful enterprise with people not previously known to the participant)

Numerous opportunities are available in school in the Volunteering section to assist with clubs and activities as well as part of extra curricular events to complete the Skills and Physical Recreation Sections of the Award.

Key findings:

90% of young people said doing their Duke of Edinburgh has given them opportunities to help others.
82% noted their Duke of Edinburgh has made them want to continue with volunteering/voluntary activities.
62% feel that doing their Duke of Edinburgh has helped them make a positive difference to their local community.
74% of young people said they developed self-esteem.
64% feel that as a result of Duke of Edinburgh they are better at sport or physical activity.
74% of young people said it allowed them to try activities they would never have tried before.
71% of young people identified improved self-belief.
Three quarters of young people think their Duke of Edinburgh Leaders are inspirational.