The Duke of Edinburgh’s award is a challenging, but ultimately rewarding experience for all participants. Pupils will learn lifelong skills, helping to make our young people more well-rounded individuals. Duke of Edinburgh certificates are viewed favourably by college and university admissions, as well as prospective employers.

Bronze

At North Leamington School, this is delivered in Year 9 and is a great opportunity to delve into the what DofE entails.   It is challenging, for those at this stage of their lives, and deliberately takes them out of their comfort zones in order to challenge their own preconceptions of themselves. Many only do the Bronze Award, but many also use it as a springboard to achieve both Silver and Gold.

 

In 2022-23, 70 Year 9 students completed their BRONZE DofE Award

In 2023-24, 97 Year 9 students completed their BRONZE DofE Award

This year, we have 101 Year 9 BRONZE participants.

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 Silver
At North Leamington School, this is delivered in Year 10 and ramps the level of challenge up considerably in comparison to the Bronze. The Silver really starts to test students’ level of commitment and asks that they complete the volunteering, skills or physical sections for up to 12 months if they have not completed the Bronze award. The expedition is, again, more challenging but, in preparation, students do complete a practice expedition. This is a great bridge between completing Bronze and then moving on to the  Gold Award.

In 2022-23, 41 Year 10 and 12 students completed their SILVER DofE Award

In 2023-24, 69 Year 10 students completed their SILVER DofE Award

This year, we have 63 Year 10 SILVER participants.

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Gold

Available to our Year 12 students and, again, becomes more challenging.  Although challenging, it helps develop valuable skills and experiences that will benefit students throughout their lives. The Gold award requires students to undertake one of their sections for up to 18 months if they have not done Silver and includes a four-day walking expedition and a five-day residential. The award culminates with a presentation for those who complete it at Buckingham Palace and we will be taking our first ever cohort there in 2025.

In 2023-24, 19 Year 12 students are completing their GOLD DofE Award 

This year we have 20 Year 12 GOLD participants.