The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at Sydenham School
The Award is a challenging programme of activities that will help the young person to learn new skills, help others and experience adventure. It will provide the student with a great sense of achievement. In addition to this many organisations such as employers and universities take a good view of the Award and what it says about the person who has achieved it. What is the Award?
What does it involve?
There are three levels – bronze, silver, and gold. For each, you complete activities in four sections – volunteering, skills, physical and expeditions. At the Gold level, you also take part in a Residential Project. In each section there is a wide range of options that can be chosen from or the young person can find other similar activities that interest them. This can be something entirely new or you can continue with an activity that is already enjoyed. The award is about having a go. It’s not a competition – it just needs a bit of enterprise and perseverance.
Who is it for?
The Award is open to anyone between the age of 14 and 25 years. Special qualifications are not needed, just a willingness to have a go. At Sydenham, students can complete the Bronze award in Year 9 and the Silver award in Year 10 and 11. Students in Year 12 can be enrolled onto the Gold or Silver award.