St Edward's was one of the first schools to become involved
in the Award Scheme when it started in the 60s. As a result
the School is its own Operating Authority, which means
it can deliver the Award with a certain degree of autonomy.
The scheme consists of a challenging program of leisure
time activities which allows a young person to learn new
skills, help others and experience adventure. There is
a great sense of satisfaction in completing the Award
and its prestige is valued highly by prospective employers.
We offer the scheme at all levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. The
Silver can be started in the 4ths, with the aim of completing
it by the end of the 5ths. It will take at least a year.
The Gold can be started in the Upper School; it is not
necessary to have done the Silver first in order to do
the Gold, but there is a time advantage (12 months instead
of 18).
At each level of the Award there are different sections.
Service
To other people or the local community, or a specific
course, such as Police, or Civil Aid.
Expedition
Here an adventurous journey is planned and executed,
either cycling or walking, two nights for the Silver,
three for the Gold. A certain number of practice journeys
must be carried out prior to the qualifying expedition
to ensure the participants are properly prepared. The
Silver expeditions are done on Exmoor but the Gold expedition
must be done in "wild country"; we usually
go up to the Lake District in the Spring holidays.
Skill
This is about developing, or learning from scratch,
a particular skill, photography for example. There is
a very wide range to choose from.
Physical Recreation
Taking part in a sport or physical activity. At St Edward's
we do not count major sports such as Rugby or Netball!
Residential Project
This is in addition at Gold where a purposeful project
is followed for a week in an unfamiliar environment.
Again the choice is very wide; conservation projects
are popular, but some have done concentrated driving
courses.
At Silver successful participants are presented with
a certificate and badge in the Town Hall with other
young people doing the Silver in Oxford. At Gold a certificate
is presented at the Summer Term Prize giving and the
badge at Buckingham or St James' Palace, where the Duke
or Prince Andrew will be present. Over the years about
a dozen per year are successful at Gold level.
Cost
Current (2008/9) charges are :
Bronze: £50
Silver Walking: £125
Silver Canoe: £150
Gold Walking: £330
Gold Canoe: £500+
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