Invitation to Consider the Duke of Edinburgh Award for Year 9 Students
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you well. As the academic year develops, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) programme, which we are excited to offer to our Year 9 students. The DofE scheme is a highly regarded initiative that provides young people with the opportunity to develop essential skills, gain valuable experience, and enhance their personal development through a structured yet flexible framework.
Participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the immediate rewards of completing the programme. Students will engage in a variety of activities designed to inspire personal growth, creativity, teamwork, and leadership. The programme encompasses four key sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and the Adventurous Journey. Each component of the award is aimed at nurturing a sense of responsibility and commitment to personal development, as students learn to set and achieve their own goals. The volunteering section allows students to give back to their communities, fostering empathy and enhancing their understanding of social responsibility. The physical and skills sections encourage students to pursue their interests and develop new talents, all while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Moreover, the Adventurous Journey, a hallmark of the DofE experience, serves as a vital component where students will plan and undertake an expedition in an outdoor setting. This aspect not only cultivates survival skills and resilience but also encourages teamwork and problem-solving. The challenges faced during these expeditions will help students build confidence and self-reliance, traits that are invaluable in their academic and personal lives.
The cost of joining the Duke of Edinburgh Award at our school is £35, which covers registration fees, materials, and some necessary equipment for the Adventurous Journey. There is an additional cost to complete the Adventurous Journey which will be asked for later. This cost will be between £30 and £100 depending on numbers and where the expedition takes place. Participants will also need to have some equipment such as walking boots, waterproofs and a sleeping bag.
We are committed to ensuring that financial constraints do not restrict participation, and therefore we encourage any parent or guardian facing difficulties to reach out to our administration for potential support options. We believe in inclusivity and would like all interested students to have the opportunity to take part in this remarkable programme.
To register your child for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, please complete the application form attached and make payment using Parent Pay. The deadline for applications is Friday 29th November.
In conclusion, we believe that the Duke of Edinburgh Award will be a profoundly rewarding experience for our Year 9 students. It is an opportunity for them to embark on a journey of self-discovery, acquire valuable skills, and create lasting memories. We encourage you to consider this opportunity and to support your child in embarking on this exciting journey.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at adrian.nash@stroodacademy.org.
Yours sincerely,
Mr A. Nash | Duke of Edinburgh Manager at Strood Academy
