Duke Of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a new initiative at Harris Garrard Academy. We encourage our Year 9 and Year 12 students to enrol on the Bronze Award programme, which they are expected to complete by the end of the summer term.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award provides a framework for students to get recognition for their commitment to bettering themselves and their communities. At Harris Garrard, we believe in helping our students find their passions, engage in their community, and grow along the way. Participants design a programme that is unique to them and receive recognition for what they want to do. The Award is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, ability, ethnicity, or gender. There are four aspects to the award:
- Volunteering
- Physical
- Skill
- Expedition
Commitment to the community
Achievement at any level - Bronze, Silver, or Gold - is an indication of a young person who is able to sustain a commitment, overcome personal challenge, has developed time management skills, and has a well-rounded area of interests with a proven commitment to their community. The Award enhances any application to post-secondary education, including scholarship submissions, and is a significant addition to any resume, identifying the commitment and characteristics of the student involved.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award encourages young people to make positive changes to their lives and communities by participating in the Award. The framework of the Award identifies these impacts and how the Award measures up against them. These positive impacts include:
- Increased participation in civic life
- Improved employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods
- Social inclusion
- Improved physical health and well-being
- Awareness of the natural environment
- Recognition of equality and encouragement of empowerment
- Improved commitment to personal growth
- Conflict resolution and peace-building.
