Duke of Edinburgh's Award
‘The value and enjoyment of the expedition experience is immeasurable and I will never forget how the skies opened over Loch Etive cleared in minutes leaving us with a beautiful night after a day of steady drizzle’
(Gold Award recipient)
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a programme of activities, which enable young people to develop their mind, body and soul. It is acknowledged internationally and valued highly by employers and universities.
The Award is very strong at St Columba’s and is organised entirely in-house by a team of staff, parents and former pupils, led by the Director of Outdoor Education. All pupils are given the opportunity to participate and most young people take up the challenge of the Bronze Award (with completion rates well above the national average).
There is an information evening for SIII pupils and their parents. They then have the opportunity to choose a volunteering activity, develop a skill, improve their physical performance and join a ‘team’ to undertake an adventurous project. In particular, candidates benefit from going out into the wider community through the ‘volunteering’ section and in the past our pupils have been involved in working with the Childrens’ Respite Care Centre at Quarriers or in environmental projects at Finlaystone Estate.
Pupils undertaking the Gold Award have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills if they choose to undertake the DofE Award Leadership programme for their volunteering section. Mentoring younger participants plays a major part in this particular programme.
Gold Award recipients are invited to Holyrood to receive their Gold Award, as well as being presented with their Gold badge at the school Prizegiving.
Full details of the award scheme can be obtained at www.theaward.org.