Duke of Edinburgh

Finborough School is proud to offer the robust challenges and opportunities of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme to Years 9 and above.

Under the guidance of Nic Foss, and Tom Donalds (US Air Force) who runs the expedition training, students are invited to embark upon their journey through the three awards – Bronze, Silver and Gold.

With this and the Finborough 5 challenges, our goal is to energise all of our youngsters and inspire them to pursue new goals. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme gives them the opportunity to gain recognition and a sense of achievement, shared by thousands, since the introduction of the award in 1956. For more information, click here.

There are three Award levels:

• Bronze – for those Year 9+
• Silver – for those Year 10+
• Gold – for those aged Year 11+

Bronze Award

Our Bronze participants complete a practice hike and overnight camp in the school woodland. Students they take on their qualifying expedition in Dedham Vale, South Suffolk.

In addition, Finborough School run a fun and adventurous trip to Wales during the summer half term. This gives students the opportunity to develop their navigation and canoeing skills in a more relaxed setting before beginning their Silver award.

Silver & Gold Awards

Silver and Gold students swap boots for paddles as they take on canoeing challenges:

• Silver Practice – The Great Ouse

• Silver Qualifier and Gold Practice – Norfolk Broads

• Gold Qualifier – River Severn

A highlight of this year’s success saw five Finborough students honoured at Buckingham Palace recently for completing their Gold Award. The students were invited to the royal gardens, attended by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and other distinguished guests, as part of a special celebration. Read the full story here.

Volunteering 

DofE students contribute to the community in many ways, including village litter picking, volunteering at local food banks, helping at animal sanctuaries and assisting in the Pre-Prep and Prep departments.