​We are delighted to be able to offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Nottingham Academy to students from year 9 upwards. There are three progressive levels of the DofE scheme: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

We have a highly committed team to lead students to gain their Bronze award in year 9, their Silver award in year 10 and their Gold award in Sixth Form. Pupils who achieve their Gold Award are invited to either Buckingham Palace or St James Palace to receive their award.

To achieve each award pupils must undertake four sections at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity. Pupils keep track of their progress on the electronic system available through the Duke of Edinburgh website www.edofe.org

VIDEO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZjimYqdFfo

The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award is a registered charity which gives all 14–24-year-olds the chance to develop skills for life and work. Any young person can do their DofE – regardless of ability, gender, background, or location. Achieving an award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.

Through the DofE programme, young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem, and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication, and drive.

This prestigious award is highly recognised by prospective employers and universities alike for the qualities available to young people outside of their academic studies. DofE can be included in CVs, personal statements, and future job applications. Top employers recognise the work-ready skills award holders bring to their business.

Key Information 2022/23

Key Dates:

• Bronze Parent Information Evening – Wednesday 8th March 2023
• Bronze Residential Training – Saturday 29th April – Sunday 30th April 2023
• Bronze Qualifying Expedition – Saturday 24th June – Sunday 25th June 2023

Crisp Packet Project Volunteering – A158, every Wednesday during tutor time

Volunteering in school:

As a school we are aware of how hard it can be to find volunteering opportunities in the local community. To alleviate any stresses, we offer some volunteering opportunities in school.

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This year, we are doing the Crisp Packet Project (https://crisppacketproject.com/). This is where students will collect empty crisp packets, wash them once a week, and then turn them into sleeping bags. They will then be sent off to a local charity who will distribute them to homeless people.

Students taking part in the crisp packet project this year must come to A158 every Wednesday during tutor time.

Fundraisers:

Throughout the year, we also fundraise to fund part of the DofE trip. This includes costings for transport for both weekends, license fees, and the approved activity provider (Karos Adventure - https://www.karosadventure.com/home).

If you would like to get involved in any fundraisers, please get in contact using the below contact information.

List of fundraisers for 2022/23:

• - Bake sale – Tuesday 24th January
• - Penalty shootout – Thursday 2nd February
• - Basketball shootout – Friday 3rd February
• - Valentine’s gifts and bake sale – Friday 10th February
• - FIFA Tournament – Thursday 9th March & Friday 10th March
• - Push up challenge – Wednesday 22nd March
• - Movie night – Tuesday 28th March
• - Maker’s Market – Saturday 13th June

Meet the DofE Team

• - Miss K Conlon – Duke of Edinburgh Manager
• - Miss A Hudson – Duke of Edinburgh Leader
• - Miss K Duckworth – Duke of Edinburgh Leader
• - Mr S Gidda – Duke of Edinburgh Leader
• - Mr T Wooley – Duke of Edinburgh Leader
• - Ms N Brown – Duke of Edinburgh Verifier

For more information on the Duke of Edinburgh Award, please contact Miss Conlon (DofE Manager) at kconlon@nottinghamacademy.org

Bronze Award 2021/22

2021 was the first year back after restarting the DofE award since COVID. We took 8 participants to the Peak District where they completed their qualifying expedition.

2021/22 Graduates:

- Faith Smith – Bronze Award

Congratulations Faith! You have shown resilience and perseverance, and we are so proud of you!