All Year 9s to Achieve their Bronze DofE Award

From September 2021, the completion of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award will be a compulsory element of Year 9. This positive change is attributed to the values and character education that the School prides itself on.

“We talk about wanting our students to be changemakers, wanting them to make their mark on the world when they leave us, and they certainly go on to do that when they become Old Leightonians […] We feel that those key skills can be developed, in part, by completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award. It is a very prestigious and well-known qualification, employers and universities really value it.” commented Sally Saunders, Head of Year 9 and Careers, as she recently addressed students and their families, on the cusp of beginning their middle school journey.

Numerous students have already evidenced the positive impact the celebrated scheme can have on a young person. Oliver in Year 9, who is currently working towards his Bronze Award commented, “It’s really led me to do things that I wouldn’t normally do, so cooking for example, it’s really benefitted me and allowed me to cook on my own when my parents maybe aren’t there.”

Year 10 student, Willow, who has already achieved Bronze and is now working towards Gold, reflected “My favourite part of DofE is probably actually the expedition because it’s quite challenging but also just really fun and it helps you with map reading and navigation.” Gold Award holder, Dan in Upper Sixth, added “I think the best part about it is that it does push you past your boundaries.”

Last term we saw a record number of students sign up to achieve their Bronze Award, highlighting its enduring popularity. Between April 2020 and March 2021 our dedicated adventurers clocked up 585 hours working in the community with organisations such as Whitley CDA, Launchpad Reading, First Days Children’s Charity, and the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice.

Archivist, John Allinson, recently reflected at the time of His Royal Highnesses passing, “Indeed, we all have cause to be grateful for the many ways in which the DofE programme has challenged and inspired so many Leightonians over the years.”