The Duke of Edinburgh ward was established by HRH Prince of Wales in February 1956. Since then, it has helped over 3.1 million young people develop new skills and encourages them to be more interested in outdoor activities. The award scheme is widely recognised by Further Education, Higher Education establishments and employers. The awards enable young people to develop life and social skills, including teamwork, independence, collaboration, communication, resilience, confidence and commitment. There are three levels to the awards - Bronze, Silver and Gold.

To achieve the Bronze award, students must undertake four sections. These must be for a duration of one hour, per week for 3 months, with one of the sections lasting for 6 months. The expedition is two days and one night.

• Volunteering: choosing to give time to help people, the community or society, the environment or animals.
• Physical: any sport, dance or fitness activity; anything that requires a sustained level of energy and physical activity.
• Skills: an activity that will allow you to prove you have broadened your understanding and increased your expertise in your chosen skills.
• Expedition: plan, train for, and complete an unaccompanied, self-reliant expedition with an agreed aim.

Students will be taught all the necessary skills required for the expedition by the experienced Duke of Edinburgh team at Westfield Academy, and will take part in various after-school sessions (which are bi-weekly). Students will also take part in practice walks and a practice expedition, all in preparation for the main expedition later in the summer term.

Students are invited to apply in Years 10 & 12, through a launch assembly in mid-October. They will then be asked to fill in an application form which consists of basic questions and a personal statement (which should be one side of A4 paper). The current cost of the Bronze award is £30.

If you would like any further information, please speak with the Duke of Edinburgh Lead, Ms Talbot (email: hta@westfield.academy).