The Duke of Edinburgh Award At Jo Richardson

The Duke Of Edinburgh Award The Award offers a programme that is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding Many that do get involved have developed confidence and increased self- esteem.

OBJECTIVES OF THE AWARD Enables young people to realise their potential through choosing and completing a range of activities covering sport, interest and skills, voluntary community service and an expedition.

OBJECTIVES OF THE AWARD Encourages young people to develop personal and emotional skills which will improve their lives and that of the community in which they live.

MEETING THE NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE Research has shown, together with the experience of young people, many of whom are from diverse backgrounds and ages that through the award they can achieve high levels of success, whilst having fun.

Benefits build self-esteem and develop confidence - demonstrate that you are making a conscious effort to do something positive and constructive with your time, through voluntary participation - gain credibility with potential employers through your participation in a widely recognised and valued programme - learn new skills, for the workplace or for personal development

Benefits for Young People demonstrate and develop qualities, such as initiative, reliability, adaptability, determination, enterprise, responsibility and community awareness. work as part of a team - build positive and constructive relationships with others through informal activity

Sections of the award There are three levels of Award - Bronze, Silver and Gold At each level, there are four Sections - Volunteering - helping others at school or in the wider community Skills - developing personal, vocational and social skills Physical Recreation - encouraging physical fitness and an active lifestyle Expeditions - undertaking an adventurous journey in a group with the additional requirement of a Residential Project at Gold

Bronze Award You can start in the school year you turn 14 (Year 9) Completed in at least 6 months. Sections – two at 3 months and one at 6 months, at least one hour a week for each. Expedition – practice and qualifying, two days and one night. Six hours of planned activity each day, at least half of which must be travelling under your own effort, (takes place in Year 10)

James Collins (left JRCS in July 2013) after receiving his Gold Award in March 2014 at St James’ Palace in the presence of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh

Richard, Josh and James outside St James’s Palace with their Gold certificates.

How it will work at JRCS – Year 8 Fill in your application form, hand in to MON by Friday 27 th May 3:30pm. A list of successful applicants will be published in The Seagull on 10 th June. First sessions 3:30 – 4:30pm Tuesday 14 th June and 5 th July. After acceptance get your registration fee of £20 paid by Friday 1 st July.

How it will work at JRCS - Year 9 and 10 Your own voluntary time. Twilight sessions from September 2017 (at least once a fortnight). Three weekend expeditions (Friday and Saturday) – two practice plus the final expedition, one in September 2017, one in May 2018 and the final in June Costs £22 per weekend (£66 in total)

What difference could D of E make to you – a quote from those who’ve been there… I have already passed the interview and have been accepted, D of E was a perfect example of my ability to work as a team and develop my own individual abilities, which I mentioned in my interview. Who would have thought all those times in the rain and fog in the welsh mountains and falling out of canoes in France would be getting me into the Metropolitan Police force years later! Haha, not me certainly. It is all worth it in the end. Bradley Simson - aged 23, D of E Bronze, Silver and Gold Award holder and former JRCS student.

‘I wanted to thank you for your support and guidance while I was at Jo Richardson. Particularly when I was completing DOE, you helped me to gain more confidence in myself and also encouraged my leadership skills, which have helped me a lot during these past years.’ Antony West – Graduate of University of Kent – Honours Degree in Computer Science, D of E Volunteer Leader and ex student of JRCS

Questions?

Do your research! Read your application form carefully Talk to year 11, 12 and 13 who have completed the award. Visit Visit the school website Information – Duke of Edinburgh – Click on the Year 8 tab