The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Consider the reason why top Independent Schools, including Loughborough, place such a high value on this scheme. Why do we now employ a full time Co-ordinator dedicated to its implementation who heads a team of fully trained volunteers? Why do so many of our pupils take part when there is no educational qualification at the end?

We live in a world where many believe the lines of exam results have become blurred. Without doubt, competition is tough and our universities and professions are inundated with applications from students with A grades at Advanced Level. Consequently and in parallel to such proof of excellence, they now place an increased emphasis on life-skills. Call it 'value-added' if you like. Success in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme is a clear sign that a boy has 'stickability'. His character has matured in important areas, indicating he can work and inter-relate with others. As a result, he will become a more exciting and more reliable candidate, whether in higher education or any future profession.

These awards involve a challenging programme of activities that help young people between the ages of 14 and 24 develop skills and experience. At any one time around 100 of our boys are enrolled, working their way up to their Bronze award and a substantial number go on to achieve Silver and Gold awards. At Loughborough we offer the scheme for those in Years 10 – 12. Activities include youth work, safety training, cycling, cookery and cross-country journeys. Each level of the award also involves two expeditions per year plus training days. These are to exciting and remote areas of the country and get more challenging as participants progress. Apart from this, you can apply to do almost anything. One boy has even said he wanted to do bullfighting.