Extra Curricular Activities

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The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Overview

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award was established at Louth Academy in September 2023. Our aim is to provide the opportunity for as many students who would like to achieve this award. We offer both the Bronze and Silver Award to students at Louth Academy in year 9 and 10.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award consists of four sections: volunteering, physical, skills and expedition.

The volunteering section requires students to give their time to help people, whether assisting local groups and charities in the community or helping with animals or the environment. Over the years, our students have enjoyed helping at local nurseries and primary schools, working in charity shops, litter picking in the local area and supporting Girl Guides and Scouts groups amongst other activities.

The physical section helps to foster habitual healthy lifestyles within our students through regular physical activity. Our students have taken part in a wide range of activities, from school sports clubs, dancing, walking and jogging, to skateboarding, karate and even aerial hoop.

The skills section aims to upskill students by broadening their understanding and increasing their expertise in a chosen area. In the past, our students have chosen to develop skills in cooking and baking, fishing, first aid, musical instruments, and sports leadership.

The expedition section is possibly the most memorable part of the award for our students. Students are required to navigate a route independently, as well as camp and cook for themselves. Because of the high level of independence needed for this, we offer additional training sessions at school in the lead up to the expedition.

Where do we go for the Bronze expedition?

Starting at various drop off points around the Lincolnshire Wolds, students undertake their qualifying expedition by making their way around a set route, navigating the way using map-skills and teamwork. Adult leaders are stationed at check points around the route to ensure the safety of the students. After completing the route on day one, students camp at a local site where they must independently put up their tents and prepare their own evening meal. Camping is fully supervised by staff who camp alongside students. The following morning, students must prepare their own breakfast before embarking on the second route making their way back towards Louth. Overall, students will have spent approximately 12 hours walking across the two days.

Where do we go for the Silver expedition?

Our first cohort of students undertaking their Silver Award were fortunate enough to find themselves in the Lake District last year. The expedition consisted of two nights camping in the Langdale area and three days of walking. As with the Bronze Award, students walked independently but were monitored by staff following behind along the route. Students tackled challenging routes, including climbing Loughrigg Fell and spending at least seven hours per day walking. They also enjoyed ghyll scrambling, which involved climbing waterfalls and diving into natural pools.

Key skills Developed

Through undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, students develop key skills including teamwork, resilience, leadership, problem-solving, communication, independence and organisation.

Adult Leaders within Louth Academy

High-quality leadership is essential to the success of any scheme involving children and the school has developed a broad range of expertise among its staff team. Experienced staff, supported by governors and former award holders, work together to ensure the programme is enjoyable, well-organised, and a positive experience for students. Expedition leaders have undertaken formal training delivered and monitored by Mountain Leader Training and British Mountaineering Council approved providers to ensure high standards and student safety at all times.

How Parents and Carers Can Support

  • Encourage students to stay committed, organised and engaged with all sections of their award.
  • Support expedition preparation by helping students check equipment, attend training and develop independence and resilience.
  • Take an interest in students' volunteering, skills and physical activities, and encourage them to keep their evidence and records up to date.
  • Celebrate progress and achievements to help build confidence, motivation and pride throughout the DofE journey.
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