In the Senior School, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme (D of E) is introduced and offered to all pupils in S3 (Year 9). The award combines four elements: a physical activity, a skill, volunteering and a group expedition.

There is such a wide variety of options to complete the first three, this encourages each pupil to develop their own personal initiative and independence. The expedition section requires significant training and supervision, so Birkdale teachers provide this in after school sessions for all S3 boys (Y9) once a week from February half term onwards. We run a practice camp in mid-May and the Bronze Award qualifying expedition in late June, which is opted into and successfully completed by 90% or more of S3 every year. Other aspects of the award are completed over the next two years, with the support and encouragement of both staff and parents.

In S4 (Year 10), all pupils take part in a residential to the Lake District, and during this a Silver level practice expedition takes place, building on the skills already acquired during S3. Some pupils choose to complete Silver level, and this has become increasingly popular, with over 85% of S4 pupils working towards the Silver Award. The Silver DofE is run by a specialist outdoor education organisation, in conjunction with Birkdale staff. Other but pupils opt to move straight to Gold, with staff support for either preference.

The Gold expedition is a challenging but rewarding four-day, three-night walk through some of the country’s most beautiful and imposing surroundings. This has taken place in North Wales, and in the NE of the Lake District, which takes place after the Upper Sixth (Y13) students have completed their final exams. In the Lower Sixth (Y12) participants undertake a shorter, three-day ‘practice’ expedition. Both ventures are remotely supervised by an organisation called BXM Outdoors, which works alongside a team of Birkdale teachers, who also have many years of experience in leading such expeditions. Training for these begins early in the Lower Sixth with a practice walk in the Peak District, where those involved can begin to hone navigation and key skills. Route-planning and preparation work takes place in several after-school sessions in March and April, ready for the Practice expedition at the end of the summer term. Once this has been completed, and after a much-needed break, work for the Qualifier begins in earnest.

Of course, the expedition is only one aspect of the Gold D of E experience, and pupils are well supported by the school, in conjunction with the Sheffield D of E office, as they work through the other sections of the award. Some examples of adventures that have fulfilled the criteria for this section are: Learning to drive (Skills section), participating in the school’s link programme to Tinsley Meadows junior school as a Wednesday afternoon games alternative (Volunteering section), and trampolining classes through Ponds Forge (Physical section).

The D of E award at all levels is a hugely worthwhile endeavour, with the added bonus of demonstrating key skills to universities and potential employers. Make sure you don’t miss out!