Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is available at all three levels within the School and currently has over 100 participants registered. The Scheme covers Skill, Physical, Volunteering and Expeditions Sections, and an addition 'Residential' Section once on Gold. It is a nationally recognised Award, equivalent to National Governing Bodies, and shows potential employees and universites that the candidate has the committment and enthusiasm to undertake such a task, - at Bronze level the Award takes 6 months to complete, Silver and Gold up to 18 months. It is well recognised by Universites who have often given priority to candidates who have achieved Gold. Once Gold level has been reached, the participant attends St James' Palace to receive their Award from HRH Prince Phillip in person.

The Award is supported in school by an external provider who provides all the training and assessing required for the Expedition phase, and facilitates the rest of the scheme twice weekly when students attend during Activity sessions. Participants must be 14 years of age to start the scheme, and whilst it is not necessary to complete Bronze and Silver before starting Gold, they cannot start on Gold until their 16th Birthday.

Many participants find that a lot of school commitments they are already involved in can help them gain their Awards, such as Physical:- Rugby, Hockey, Rowing etc, Skill:- Choir, Music, etc, Volunteering:- Newspaper, Coaching etc.

The Expedition section in particular provides the participant the opportunity to gain in confidence and build on their teamwork skills, whilst at the same time enjoying the great outdoors.

The school currently has 4 Participants awaiting their Gold Palace Presentations.

Any further information can be obtained from t.sockett@durhamschool.co.uk

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"Having not been at such a big school before, I wasn't at all sure what to expect but I needn't have worried about anything because everyone in MacLeod was so friendly; all the girls look after one another making you feel extremely comfortable and at home. You soon settle in to the routine of lessons and especially the routine of tea and toast."
Harriet Ward, MacLeod House