Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is one of the most popular activities in the school. Once girls have experienced the Bronze Award, they usually return for another challenge. Although it may be one of the longest and gruelling experiences they have ever had, they seem to forget about the countless blisters, frosty mornings, curious creatures, aching joints and come back for another taste.
 
The award is offered at all three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, with the Gold Award being the most recent addition as of September 2007. Mrs Elliott, Mrs Sharma-Yun and Miss Ikram were invited to meet the Duke of Edinburgh at St James’ Palace in December 2007 to receive Channing’s new license as we are now our own independent operating authority and able to deliver all three awards in the school.

The Award is made up of four elements - community service, physical recreation, skill and the expedition. The award encourages discovery, continued social and practical skills and a spirit of adventure. Each element must be followed for at least three months (depending on the level of the award) for one hour per week. Expedition training usually takes place after school. The expeditions always take place between March and October and there is a practice expedition as well as an assessed expedition.
 
The Bronze Award is offered to Year 9; Silver to Years 10 and 12; with Gold available to the Sixth Form. Bronze expeditions take place in the North Downs and Buckinghamshire, Silver in the New Forest and South Downs, and Gold in the Peak District, Wales, Exmoor or Scotland.

 The Gold Award is the most challenging and because of this, once completed, the participant and one guest is invited to one of the Royal Palaces to receive their award from the Duke of Edinburgh himself. It is a very special occasion for everyone with an official photographer to mark the day.

The participants attend regular training sessions to prepare them for the expeditions. These include instruction in map work, navigation, First Aid, safety, camp craft and the Country Code.

The D of E scheme at Channing School aims to teach the participants responsibility and commitment. It allows them to develop independence as well as group skills. Above all, it is good fun!