At Leicester Grammar School the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme is very popular. The Award is launched in Year 9 with the aim of completing their Volunteering, Skills and Physical sections prior to the expedition in Year 10. We currently have over 170 students enrolled across Year 9 and 10 and working towards their Bronze certificates, with a further 40 students in Years 12 and 13 enrolled on the Gold Award. Our successful scheme is run by our DofE Manager, Ms Emma Martin, who along with Miss A Chell and Mrs H Martin manages and coordinates all aspects of the DofE scheme. 

The students take responsibility for organising their own Volunteering, Skill and Physical placements. Examples for the physical activity include sports teams, fitness, weight-training, swimming and martial arts. For the volunteering activity, students volunteer in charity shops, talk and play games with the elderly in Care Homes, help with community sports teams, assist the Junior School Staff with sports practices or help to run the Bronze Groups if they are at Gold level. Examples for the skill section include learning to play an instrument, developing cookery skills, completing an art or DT project, photography or learning to drive, if at Gold level.

Within school we run a number of expeditions every year, with full equipment provided and supported by experienced and committed teachers.  Bronze Practice and Qualifying Expeditions usually take place locally and in the southern part of the Peak District. Gold Expeditions take place in the northern parts of the Peak District and The Lake District. Bronze and Gold Groups both attend a skills and team building camp at a point during the academic year. These are based at school for the Bronze groups and in the Peak District for the Gold Group. All expeditions are compulsory and are a necessary part of the training process required by the D of E award scheme.

Please see below for a typical annual expedition schedule:

The Award is an excellent opportunity for students of all backgrounds and abilities to make new friends, test themselves by trying new activities, develop team work and leadership skills, and gain recognition for their efforts. The Award does involve a high level of commitment and we strive to set deadlines to ensure that all students complete it. All students are welcome to enrol regardless of their previous experience of the great outdoors! If you have any questions please contact Ms Martin on: martine@leicestergrammar.org.uk