Duke of Edinburgh

At Ballard, the Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award is a popular activity. The internationally recognised award is designed to encourage resilience, leadership, team building and independence.

We like to get started nice and early with the Bronze Award and encourage our young people to enrol at the end of Y8 so that they can get started on their non expedition sections from the get-go in Y9.  More than 75% of our pupils participate it Y9, it is an increasingly popular activity.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to get their current skills and experience recognised as well as developing new skills and having new experiences. They participate, through a personalised programme that should challenge them. The program activities must include Volunteering, Physical and Skills, for a period of up to six months.

During the Spring term we start our expedition training and then in the Summer term, our participants take part in two expeditions in the New Forest. Those who successfully complete their Bronze can progress to the Silver Award in Y10, their expedition takes place in the wilds of Exmoor National Park.

The Award offers a life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop confidence and essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.