The Expedition section encourages a spirit of adventure and discovery by preparing for and carrying out an adventurous journey as part of a team. All Qualifying Ventures involve preparing for, planning and undertaking an unaccompanied, self-reliant journey with an agreed Aim. At Cranleigh all our expeditions are on foot, although participants can arrange their own expedition using other forms of transport, such as canoe or horse.

This section encourages the discovery and development of practical and social skills and personal interests. The Skills Section offers young people a wide choice depending upon their personal preferences, abilities and the opportunities available. The skill may be an existing interest or something entirely new. At Cranleigh there are many opportunities to learn a new skill, for example learning a musical instrument, joining the choir, taking up framing, woodwork, chess or photography.

This section encourages participation and improvement in physical activity. Participants can choose any sport and aim to participate regularly in that sport in order to extend their physical fitness and performance. We encourage pupils to try something they haven’t done before!

This section encourages service to individuals and to the community and is based on the belief that members of a community have a responsibility to each other and voluntary help is needed. Participants may choose to take a course that will aid their involvement in the community such as a First Aid course or a Lifesaving qualification, or they may get involved in helping the environment by joining the Ecology group or helping at the local Rainbows group, for example. There should always be an element of training and practical work in the Service section. Some services can be arranged through the School, but many choose to complete their service outside school time, and if at all possible we do encourage this.

 

Participants undertake a shared activity or specific course in a residential setting away from home and in an unfamiliar environment. Residential settings may typically be in centres, youth hostels, sailing ships or camps. Staying with a family or 'home stays' are not generally acceptable. The type of residential experience is to be of the young person's own choice, freely made and without any financial gain. The Project should provide opportunities for broadening interest and experience - it is the ideal opportunity to try something new. Recent Gold residentials include: attending a cookery course, volunteering on a National Trust work week, taking part in the Tall Ships Race and working on a steam railway! The project should normally take place over at least five consecutive days with at least four nights spent away.

Further information is available on the Duke of Edinburgh national website www.theaward.org