DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD

When you reach 14 years old, you can start an award called the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The award has three levels, bronze which takes six months, silver, which you can start at 15 and takes twelve months, and gold which you can start at 16 and takes eighteen months. There are five sections to each one, skill, physical recreation, initial expedition, service and residential project. You do either skill, physical recreation or service for six months, then the other two you would do for three months.

For example, I am doing Choir for my skill, for six months, working in a charity shop for three months and playing tennis as my physical for three months. You are judged by the leader of the activity for the amount of time you do it for and each time you go they sign a record book, which you get for the whole award, to prove your commitment and taking part.

For the initial expedition you go away for a weekend camping, where you will be tested by a leader on camping skills, like map reading. The award is voluntary, non-competitive, available to all and enjoyable! The skills developed in the award are recognized by colleges, universities and towards other qualifications. It all involves commitment and persistence and is there to improve your personal, social development, self confidence, independence and a sense of responsibility. For each activity you do, you set yourself some personal goals to complete during the activity, to help you get more out of what ever you take part in. I am looking forward to completing my bronze and next year going onto my silver, and so on to complete my gold.

SARAH HEWETT