The Alleynian 702 2014

Duke of EdinburghAward O ne of the most challenging and rewarding activities that boys can undertake at the College, the Duke of Edinburgh Award is

Recent expeditions have taken place in the Lake District as well as in the Vercours in France and Los Picos in Spain. More exciting expeditions are planned both in the UK and abroad. Aside from the expedition, for many Dulwich boys enrolment onto the Duke of Edinburgh scheme represents a chance to gain a well-respected qualification for sporting and musical activities that are already being pursued. The extensive Community Service Programme at the College also assists many boys in completing the Volunteering Section of the Award. Examples of activities include helping to organise the archives of the Woodhouse Library or giving up lunchtimes to help at DUCKS or with a football team in the Junior School. Other boys work in local charity shops outside school or participate in community-based projects. Gaining a Duke of Edinburgh Award is also highly regarded by employers, as it is seen as a guarantee of an individual’s ability to work in a team, to solve problems, to be resourceful and to see things through to a conclusion. It is a chance to learn many new skills outside of the classroom environment. Judging by the level of enthusiasm amongst boys at both Bronze and Gold level, the Duke of Edinburgh scheme remains a successful formula to challenge, educate and provide enjoyment for all those who take part.

more popular than ever. More than half of Year 10 boys are participants at Bronze Level, whilst there are around 40 boys in the Upper School who are completing the Gold programme. The Award has changed remarkably little since its inauguration in 1956. Then, participants had to complete four sections: rescue and public service; expeditions; pursuits and projects; and fitness. These sections are now Volunteering, Expedition, Skills and Physical. And while the Award is now completed online through the eDofE, the underlying guiding principles remain the same. The stated intention is to create a programme of activities for young people that develops ‘the whole person – mind, body and soul – in an environment Edinburgh provides a chance to be challenged in the outdoor environment. At Bronze level, Year 10 boys complete a three-night training and practice camp in the Ashdown Forest before going on to complete their assessed expedition in the South Downs. Boys have to carry all their food and equipment for the expedition and walk on average 25km over the two days. At Gold Level, boys must be entirely self-sufficient for four days and three nights in a mountainous environment. of social interaction and teamworking’. The Expedition Section of the Duke of

MR TOBY MCPHILEMY

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