Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
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Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Malvern St James is proud to offer The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at all 3 levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold. The DofE is a national and international Scheme of Achievement recognised by schools, universities and employers worldwide.  The different elements of the Award are designed to be a balance to the academic life, in that they are activities that happen outside of school and outside of the classroom. It fosters self-sufficiency, resilience, responsibility, independence, leadership and teamwork, all within a safe and enjoyable environment.  It encourages the participants to learn new skills, meet new people and to be of service to others outside of school.
The time and commitment required to complete the Award increases up through the Levels. Bronze (the gentlest) is open to girls from Year 9, Silver from Year 10 and Gold from the age of 16. Each girl needs to complete four sections – Skill, Volunteering, Physical and Expedition, and for the Gold Award, a residential trip too.
The range of activities open to the girls within these sections is huge and is designed to encourage them to learn new skills, leave their comfort zone and develop their own potential. Many of our girls achieve all three levels culminating in a trip to either Buckingham Palace or St James’ Palace where they receive their Gold certificates in the presence of HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Wessex.
The expedition section is overseen by the Outdoor Pursuits Department and it is designed to foster a spirit of adventure and discovery. The girls go out in groups to undertake a self-sufficient journey, which they have planned and prepared themselves. Full training is given in navigation, First Aid, hill craft and campcraft. Training days and expeditions take place during term time and the summer holiday in some of the most scenic areas of England and Wales such as the Peak District, Lake District, Snowdonia, Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons and, of course, in our own Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – The Malvern Hills.
