Princess Helena College - Extra Curricular, Clubs & Links

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a programme of challenging activities for students aged 14-25. It offers an individual challenge and encourages young people to undertake exciting, constructive and enjoyable activities.

At Princess Helena College, girls in Year 9 and above have the chance to complete the 3 awards: Bronze, Silver and Gold. It takes at least 6 months to complete a Bronze award, 12 for a Silver and 18 for a Gold.

To complete each award girls must choose one activity from each of the 4 areas:

Service – encourages service to individuals and the community e.g. life-saving, first aid or animal welfare

Skills – encourages discovery and development of personal interests and social and practical skills e.g. musical instrument, drama, choir, drawing or horse handling

Physical recreation – encourages participation and improvement in a team sport, yoga, swimming, sailing etc.

Expedition – to encourage the spirit of adventure and discovery and to learn skills such as map reading, using a compass, camping and cooking skills. It may also be undertaken on a bicycle, in a boat or on a horse.

The Gold Award requires a Residential Project, an enterprise with people not known to the participant.

“The Award Scheme is great; you get a chance to do things that you might not have thought of, such as first aid, fire or police courses. You meet lots of really nice people your age and you have a great sense of achievement after your expeditions.”

Increasing numbers of girls are taking up the challenge. In taking part they develop:

self-belief and self-confidence
independence of thought and action
a sense of responsibility
an awareness of their potential
new talents and abilities
the ability to plan and use time effectively
the ability to learn from and give to others in the community
new relationships
skills including problem solving, presentation and communication
team and leadership skills