The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award by Miss Jade
This year we have seen our first cohort of Duke of Edinburgh students taking part in the bronze award. The year was started by a visit to BSB, where the current Duke of Edinburgh was visiting. Students were able to look at how existing students from St Christopher’s School and BSB had been achieving their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. The year 9 students then began their exciting journey on the award. They have so far started their practical, volunteering and skills sections, as well as taking part in weekly sessions that work on things such as map reading skills, use of compasses and what they need to pack for their expedition. They have also completed a variety of practice walks in preparation for their real expedition taking place later this year. Our Year 9 students even ran a parent meeting for current and future parents and participants.
“It gives me the opportunity to experience new things and learn new skills. It also allows me to give back to my community.“
– Jude, Year 9 Student
The Duke of Edinburgh students have taken part in practice walks around Amwaj, Dilmunia and Arad Dohat Lagoon so far this year. The most recent was a walk of many firsts for the group, as it was the first time that the Year 7 and 8 students were able to join the walk with the Year 9’s and the first time students had to plan their own walk. Prior to the walk students were put into groups and they had to plan a walk to particular checkpoints around the island, where teachers were located. They also were using compasses for the first time to help them navigate their route. A student in Year 8 on their first walk said ‘I had so much fun’.
“I like that we were able to be independent. It was really fun. It was well organised but my group did get lost, so we may need to continue to work on our map reading skills.“
– Caelan, Year 8 Student
The students have recently been working with Miss Suzanne on the ‘A Box of Goodness’ food appeal. So far, students have advertised for the event, recruited helpers, organised the storing cupboard almost every morning, run an example stand outside at the drop off to encourage more donations, made boxes for food to be collected in and also started to fill boxes for those in need. All of these hours are helping the wider community and we couldn’t be prouder of the students for giving up their own time to help others. We now look forward to future events that the Duke of Edinburgh students will be running or be involved with, to continue with Nadeen school’s dedication to being a positive part of the community and being great citizens.
