Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Adventures in the Countryside

Southborough High School has been associated with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for over 17 years, promoting resilience, commitment, and teamwork. The DofE Award is highly recognised by top universities. Our school offers both Bronze and Silver Awards, with 65 students taking Bronze and 23 taking Silver. More of our  students than ever are participating in this invaluable scheme, reflecting its importance in our school culture."

Over the past few months, students have taken part in several practice expeditions, crucial for the scheme's success. These expeditions provide a safe and supportive environment for participants to develop skills before their qualifying expedition, which is assessed. Designed to mirror the qualifying expedition in terms of travel mode, terrain, and self-sufficiency, these practice expeditions allow participants to learn from mistakes and improve their skills under supervision. With these practice expeditions completed, this past week saw our SHS Silver and Bronze Award participants complete their qualifying expeditions.

So, what are the key benefits of participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme? First and foremost, they have fun and make friends. Spending 24 hours a day together helps them bond with classmates. Additionally, participants gain essential skills and attributes for work and life, such as resilience, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and drive. The programme also helps improve self-esteem and build confidence. Year after year, our boys develop a sense of identity, awareness of their strengths, new talents, initiative, responsibility, and the ability to plan and use time effectively.

Want to find out more about the Duke of Edinburgh programme?

P.E Teacher Mr Jordan is our highly experienced Duke of Edinburgh Manager and he will be sharing more detailed information to current Year 8 parents in the near future. (students can participate from Year 9). In the meantime, if you have any specific questions you would like to ask him, please feel free to email him at the

following address: cjordan@southborough.kingston.sch.uk

Unfortunately, the one thing we can never guarantee for any of our Duke of Edinburgh expeditions is….. good weather. Just take a look at some of the photos taken on the Silver Award expedition last week …!