Silver Award

This website is for those who are interested in joining the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme at West Derby School and for those who have joined already.

We have provided students with the opportunity to undertake the award at our schools for the past twelve years and have helped many young people achieve success in the scheme.

To achieve the award at Silver level participants have to pursue a hobby or interest, called a Skill in the award, and participate in a Physical Recreation activity for six months, these activities will hopefully be something they are doing anyway. They will also have to undertake some form of Community Service , which we may be able to arrange in school.

The fourth part of the scheme is the Expedition, which involves training for and undertaking a three-day hike carrying all the required food and kit. The training for this will be covered during enrichment lessons on Wednesday afternoons , two one day walks for Year 12 participants, a practice weekend and the expedition weekend itself, the weekends will hopefully take place in May and June.

This represents a substantial commitment in terms of time and effort for the young people involved but it is worthwhile as they will gain a nationally respected award recognised by employers and institutions everywhere and join in an experience which will build their self reliance and team skills.

The cost of the award is £50 for year 11 participants payable in three instalments, (Funding for Y12 students is covered by the enrichment scheme) this pays for purchase of the award record book, use of kit, transport, some basic food items and accommodation. Each participant will be expected to provide a waterproof coat, a sleeping bag and a pair of boots that will give some ankle support (usually about £15 from TJ’s or Soccer Sports). They will also need to provide their food for the weekends as planning a menu is an important part of the expedition.