b'The NewsSenior SchoolDuke of Edinburgh(DofE)International AwardThe DofE International Award is an excellentway for pupils to develop a range of skills including communication, leadership and teamwork and requires a great deal of commitment and resilience.To prepare themselves for their Bronze Award the Year 10s have completed training sessions including learning how to read a map and use micro-navigation, setting up a tent, cooking on a trangia stove and delivering basic first aid. A weekend camping in the Amsterdamse Bos enabled them to put their skills to the test before embarking on an assessed expedition in Utrechtse Heuvelrug, working in teams to navigate walking routes of their own design.In addition to their adventurous journey participants are required to spend an average of one hour per week engaging in a physical activity, training to perfect/acquire a skill, and volunteering within the community. The Year 10s have set themselves goals and are tracking their progress through activities including horse riding, rowing, cooking, learning to play musical instruments and even new languages. Volunteering not only gives participants a sense of fulfilment but really makes a difference within the community. So far, pupils have given their time to mentor younger members of the Senior School, provide assistance for elderly neighbours, support a community foodbank and plan fund raising activities for a range of charities.We are very proud of their progress so far and look forward to celebrating their achievements when all sections of their Bronze Award are complete.18'