The Duke of Edinburgh Award at Helenswood School
Since being launched in February 2009 our Duke of Edinburgh Award group has gone from strength to strength and the Bronze level group now numbers forty-five Year 10 students. As they progress through to Silver a new cohort will be recruited from the current Year 9 girls to start their Bronze Award in September this year. Over the next two years the introduction of the Silver and Gold Awards will mean that by 2010/2011 we will be running the full programme in Years 10 to 13.
Great Progress
The Helenswood DofE group participants are engaged in a wide range of activities, highlighting the talents, imagination and enthusiasm of our students. Being able to build their own programme of activities, participants have taken up sailing, badminton, karate or cheer-leading for their physical section, film making, drama or bass guitar as skills and have secured volunteering positions in animal sanctuaries, residential homes and Brownie packs.
The enthusiasm of the girls has been matched by that of the Helenswood staff, with lunchtime and after school clubs being set up, enabling students to take up activities that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do, including cookery, textiles, art and drama.
Currently, 10 students are planning their first expedition. This will involve a 2 day walk on the South Downs, camping overnight. A series of training sessions during lunchtimes covering first aid, map reading, campcraft, and cooking, enable them to plan their own route and prepare all the equipment they need. Prior to the final expedition itself they will attend a training day and undertake a full practice weekend expedition. On their return they will prepare a presentation, recording the highlights of the weekend. Once completed they will have achieved their Bronze Award and be ready to enrol for Silver.
Recruiting Year 9s
Before the end of the summer term, Year 9s will have the opportunity to enrol on the Bronze Award so that they are ready to start at the beginning of Year 10 in September. More information will be given to Year 9s in Assembly and at a Year 9 launch evening for parents.
Anyone interested in joining the DofE at Helenswood should contact Mrs Hoad or Miss Greatley at the Upper School.
Useful links:
- What is the DofE Award?
- How to enrol
- Information for parents/letters
Contact us
choad@helenswood.e-sussex.sch.uk
bgreatley@helenswood.e-sussex.sch.uk
External Links:
What is the DofE Award?
- It is a balanced programme of activities for people aged 14 to 24.
- 3 progressive levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold
- To achieve Bronze, participants must commit 1 hour per week for 3 months to 2 activities, and for 6 months to another as well as completing an expedition.
The Activities:
- Volunteering – helping in a charity shop, animal rescue centre, Brownies meetings, nursing home etc
- Physical – salsa dancing, kayaking, gym workout, join a football club, cheerleading,
- Skill – learning a musical instrument, photography, gardening, local history
- Expedition – plan and undertake a 2 day walking and camping expedition in a small group
Some of the Benefits of the DofE Award:
- It is open to all aged 14 to 24, regardless of ability or background
- Gives opportunities to try new activities
- Participants choose their own activities
- Gives recognition for activities already being undertaken
- Improves confidence, self-esteem and self-discipline
- It is highly respected by colleges, universities and employers
- Its fun!
To find out more about the Award itself go to www.dofe.org
Information for Parents/Letters
For Further information please click on the links below to access school letters and information regarding the Duke of Edinburgh Award. All letters are available for download in PDF format.
Click here for the Launch Evening Letter
