The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a very popular and successful programme at Shrewsbury High School.

We are proud that so many of our students take part in the scheme and we believe the programme can play a big a part in the life of a young person, helping them gain such skills as problem-solving, communication and resilience. We feel very strongly about the positive impact such a programme can have on well-being, self-esteem and helping to build positive relationships with both peers and adults.

Enrolment:

• Year 8 – We introduce the Award to students at a presentation evening at the end of year 8 when they enrol onto the Bronze level, completing this level during year 9.
• Year 10 – The adventure continues with Silver in year 10
• Year 11/12 students can begin Gold in year 11 or in year 12 in our Sixth Form.

The Award has four sections:

• Service/volunteering eg care for the elderly, working in a charity shop
• Skill eg playing a musical instrument, speech and drama
• Physical eg hockey, swimming, rowing, eventing
• Expedition

To begin on the scheme, no previous experience is necessary as all training and support through each award level is provided. Certificates and badges are awarded in a school ceremony on completion of all the sections for that level.

The timescales differ for the sections at each level. At Gold, there is also a residential element with participants staying and working away from home doing a shared activity.

Many of the extra-curricular activities in which they are already participating can be incorporated. This nationally recognised award also provides students with the opportunity to do activities they may not normally do.

The service element of the award is something we are particularly proud of, with our students giving thousands of hours of their time to help in the wider community. Shrewsbury High School girls have volunteered in a large variety of activities including volunteering in the League of Friends café at RSH, various charity shops in Shrewsbury and neighbouring towns, youth and sports clubs and visiting elderly neighbours.

With so many students at Shrewsbury High School undertaking this award, we believe the DofE culture is very much integrated into our school culture.

Duke of Edinburgh Co-Ordinator – Ms Stacey Everton s.everton@shr.gdst.net

Duke of Edinburgh Administrator – Mrs Tiffany Pardoe  t.pardoe@shr.gdst.net