Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is something that we are extremely proud of here at Cundall Manor School. It helps students to learn and develop new skills as they progress from Bronze to Silver.
The award was started in 1956 by the Duke of Edinburgh.
And in a recent survey by D of E they found that:
“Employers tell us that they look out for DofE Awards when they recruit – deeming extra-curricular activities which develop soft skills to be just as important as academic achievements.”
Students start their Bronze Award in the Michaelmas term of Year 9 (Leckby) and complete this level at the end of the Summer term with their expedition. They can then move on to start their Silver Award in Year 10 (Eldmire) and finish this level in the Michaelmas term of Year 11 (Thornton). We have also had a lot of students successfully go on to complete and receive their Gold Award at St James’ palace after enjoying starting their Duke of Edinburgh journey so successfully here at Cundall Manor.
The award is broken up into four sections:
Volunteering: Pupils work in the community helping the elderly, assisting in the leadership of youth groups such as Cub Scouts and Brownies, acting as voluntary sports coaches or working for a hospice or charity shop.
Skills: Cundall Manor pupils can, and do, pursue the most varied skills from playing an instrument to horse handling or cookery, and from building an aquarium for Pre-Prep, to drama, photography or chicken rearing. We have some talented staff who are only too happy to help by encouraging and assessing.
Physical: This can be done through membership of a cricket or rugby team or equally through horse riding, swimming or outdoor pursuits. Cundall Manor pupils are usually spoilt for choice on this one! With an excellent P.E department that is always willing to help.
Expedition: Students have a lesson every week throughout the year where they learn navigation, first aid and campcraft. During the year, Leckby will complete a practice walk with D of E Leaders, where they get the opportunity to put what they have learned in the classroom into practise. Since the Leaders complete this walk with the students, they are also able to ask questions and polish their skills. They also complete one expedition with remote supervision which is assessed and marks the end of their Bronze Award. In Eldmire, students will learn more navigation techniques as preparation for their unaccompanied practice expedition. After this expedition, they are given the opportunity to talk through any problems they may have encountered before going on to do their main assessed expedition. Both groups are lucky, having so much choice for their expeditions locations with either the Yorkshire Dales or the Yorkshire Moors.
If you would like any more information on the Duke of Edinburgh Award please take a look at their website The Duke of Edinburgh Award.