Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

What is the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a series of activities covering different categories that participants select and undertake to achieve their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. It’s not about being first; it’s all about self-development. The award is non-competitive and focuses on helping young people to improve existing skills or gain new talents, abilities or perspectives.

Programme sections include volunteering (making a difference to others), learning a new skill or improving an existing one, a physical activity, and the expedition. The programme is intended to develop initiative and a spirit of adventure and discovery.

How to Get Involved

At HGS, the Bronze Award starts in Year 10. We can currently accommodate 70 students thanks to the goodwill of a committed team of staff who give significantly of their own time in order to enable us to provide the opportunity. Bronze expeditions take place in Wensleydale and Malhamdale.

In Year 12, students have the opportunity to complete the Silver Award, and a small number of students who have completed Bronze and Silver Awards go on to complete their Gold Award. Silver expeditions take place in the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales, and Gold expeditions are in the Lake District.

Large items of kit – such as tents, rucksacks and sleeping mats – can be borrowed from school, along with maps and stoves. Other essential kit items such as walking boots, sleeping bags and waterproofs will need to be provided by the student.