Writhlington School runs the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze and Gold level. The Duke of Edinburgh’s award is a great opportunity for students to discover new interests and talents, have fun with friends and develop essential skills for their future. The Duke of Edinburgh is non-competitive and focussed on setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.
There are four main sections of a Duke of Edinburgh programme: volunteering, physical, skills and expedition. At Gold level, participants must also complete a residential section. Every young person’s Duke of Edinburgh programme is personal to them, participants can choose what they would like to do and most activities count. Activities for each section take a minimum of one hour a week over a set period of time, so the award can fit around studies, hobbies and social lives.
The Bronze Award is open to students in Year 9. As part of the expedition section, students work as part of a small team to plan their route and an expedition aim. Students will then undertake their expedition for two days and one night.
The Gold Award is open to students in Year 12 and continues throughout Year 13. Students must complete a practice expedition for a minimum of two days and two nights. Students will then take part in their qualifying expedition for a minimum of four days and three nights.
