The award is a chance for our pupils in Years 7 and 8 to learn new skills and ‘think outside the box’. As the Duke of Edinburgh Award is only available to  pupils over 14 years of age, we have developed our own programme in which our pupils:

·         Learn how to lead

·         Gain self confidence in a wide variety of situations

·         Recognise strengths in themselves and others (and also weaknesses!)

·         Organise themselves and others efficiently and effectively

·         Gain useful skills and experiences

·         Contribute to their community

·         Become better learners

Year 8 pupils enjoy a day's surfing in Cornwall

Children keep a diary and their tutors award points for their achievements. The pupils strive to gain a bronze, silver or a gold award. To achieve a gold award requires impressive levels of tenacity, endeavour and commitment; so much so that unlike the bronze and silver awards that are presented to pupils as they are achieved, the gold is presented as one of the final prizes at Speech Day.

Examples of what the children might do to gain points:

·         Plan an event to raise money for charity

·         Create and cook a meal for their family (and wash-up!)

·         Gain a first aid/lifesaving qualification

·         Attend a course for leadership skills

·         Teambuilding events

·         Detail an innovative account of their Year 7 week in France or a tour they have been part of

Cookery challenge!

 In their final weeks at St Peter’s the pupils participate in the Leavers Programme, all of which is relevant to the Cross Keys Award. It is something that all of our former pupils remember as one of, if not the highlight of their final Year.  Some of the activities and events included in the Leavers’ Programme:

·         Learn lines in three days to put on an abridged Shakespeare production for parents

·         Camping at the River Dart Country Park

·         Visits and seminars from a range of professionals in preparation for choices they will have to make in the near future

·         Write a book for a Year 1 pupil 

We have 100% success so far – all members of Year 8 have achieved at least a Bronze certificate. We are delighted to have received very positive feedback from parents, and excellent feedback from senior schools and former pupils.