Duke of Edinburgh

Duke Of Edinburgh at Springfields Academy

Duke of Edinburgh Participation Award

All pupils in Year 9 will have the opportunity to enrol in the Duke of Edinburgh Participation Award programme. This award is an excellent initiative designed to encourage our young learners to develop essential life skills through a holistic framework comprising three key components: Volunteering, Physical, and Skills.

As part of the programme, your child will have the chance to complete each component during their scheduled Physical and Sensory sessions, Pathways lessons, and Preparation for Adulthood classes. Many of our pupils have already engaged in valuable volunteering tasks within the school environment, such as the development and maintenance of our Forest Schools area for the younger pupils, as well as assisting our administrative team. These experiences not only benefit the school community but also foster a sense of responsibility and empathy among our students.

The Skills component of the Duke of Edinburgh Award enables pupils to cultivate their own individual talents aligned with their chosen Pathway, such as Sports Leadership or Information Technology. We believe that this aspect of the award is crucial in helping pupils develop not only their abilities but also their confidence in their unique interests.

During the weekly Physical and Sensory sessions, our students also have the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of physical activities, including gymnastics, multi-sports, and swimming. These activities are aimed at promoting an active lifestyle and facilitating the completion of the physical component of the award, encouraging our young people to understand the importance of fitness and well-being.

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Award

For those who wish to advance their experience further, we offer both one-night and two-night expeditions. This presents our pupils with a wonderful opportunity to work collaboratively, enhance their resilience, and ultimately complete their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Awards, should they choose to continue their journey. During Physical and Sensory afternoons, our young people have the opportunity to develop the necessary skills for their expedition, including navigation, tent pitching, stove and campfire cooking.