Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is a programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities designed for all young people between the ages of 14 and 25. Participants follow their chosen activities with guidance; minimum standards of achievement are laid down and, when these are met, the participants qualify for an Award.
In gaining awards, students learn by experience the importance of self-discipline, enterprise and effort. They come to know the enjoyment of working with and for other people.
The Scheme consists of four sections: Service, Expeditions, Physical Recreation and Skills. Currently, projects include helping with the conservation work of the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, set-building in the school theatre, providing support in the library and in the school Archives Department.
Expeditions are carried out locally as well as further afield, with students taking part in field weekends during term time and in the holidays.
But why exactly do people do D of E? More pertinently, what sort of person can survive a four-day Gold expedition going up and down steep hills in some of the most isolated parts of the country, carrying everything you need for four days in a small rucksack? Answer? Very few! Although Haileybury can boast three Gold Award winners in 2005 - Anna Gibson, Ruth Hewitt, Kathryn Bishop and Isobel Baugh. There are another 40 pupils who were awarded Bronze medals.
But survival on the D of E expeditions has nothing to do with the distance or the weather, but more to do with the determination of the group to keep going, to keep putting one foot in front of the other, when every instinct and every muscle is screaming at you to stop.
Thirteen Haileyburians were brave enough to try this year. Ten made it through the traditional Lake District expedition, three went to Iceland (a report on this amazing trip will on the website soon). The training expedition in the Brecon Beacons was enough to put anybody off. It rained and the wind howled every minute we were there. The first day was so wet that it was as if we had stood all day in full kit under a cold shower.
Lydia Scairsbrick tries here to explain the attraction of Gold:
1) Why did you decide to ‘do’ gold?
Well, I really enjoy putting myself to the test physically and mentally. Duke of Edinburgh sounded like a great opportunity to do something different and appreciate life outdoors with a group of people.
2) In five words, describe the Brecon Beacons' practice expedition.
Exhausting, exciting, freezing, amazing, wet!
3) What was the scenery like in the Lake District?
The scenery in all the expeditions I have been on has been outstanding. I've never seen so much green in my life! There was lots of wildlife to see, amazing rivers, and huge mountains to climb up. Walking never gets boring when you have so many new and beautiful things to see.
4) Tell us about the weather.
The weather was wild! I don't think I have ever experienced such cold, fog, wet and windy conditions all at the same time in my life! It was so wet even my waterproof jacket couldn't keep the rain out. I was soaked through which made me even colder, I was nearly swept off my feet by huge gusts of wind, I couldn't see more than a metre in front of me - physically I was exhausted!
5) What skills are necessary for a candidate to successfully complete the expedition?
I think you need to be physically and mentally strong, reasonably fit, optimistic, caring, thoughtful, co-operative, and organised.
6) What was your favourite part of the expedition?
Arriving at the campsite after the terrible experience on the first day of walking. I didn't know if I could make it I was so exhausted and cold. A feeling of achievement came over me, I was really pleased to have got through it.
7) What was the worst part?
The worst part of the practice expedition was when Mr Dexter (D of E unit leader) told us that the only way we were going to get to the campsite was to walk back the way we came through the freezing, wet, foggy, and windy conditions. The river was supposed to be crossable by fording it, but it was a raging wall of water. It was too dangerous. My heart sank at the thought of having to turn back, I didn't know if I could do it.
8) Would you do it again?
In Wales - probably not! In other countries across the world - definitely! I think it's a wonderful way to explore what the natural world has to offer and gives one a great sense of achievement at the end.
9) Any other comments?
I'm really glad I did the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. It has given me so many wonderful memories and an experience to reflect upon for the rest of my life.
