Bronze Award
The bronze award is offered to students in year 11 as part of their enterprise option choice. Each Wednesday afternoon the students are taught the techniques and skills necessary to undertake a 2 day expedition in the Peak District as well as encouraged to complete the other sections of the award.
The four sections to the award are:
- Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community
- Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities
- Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests
- Expedition: planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey in the Peak District
The students take part in walks from the school both teacher led and unaccompanied to help them improve their map reading skills and to work as a team. They are taught how to read grid references, describe routes from a map, use a compass to navigate successfully and how to interpret contours. They also undertake an Emergency First Aid at Work course within school which leads to a qualification that is valid for 3 years.
They are trained in campcraft such as using stoves, pitching tents and what equipment to carry on a 2 day expedition. The 2 expeditions take place around Easter but do not affect the Easter holidays. The practice expedition starts at Ilam Hall near Dovedale with camping at Carsington and then finishes at Cromford meadows. The assessed expedition starts at Monsal Head with camping in Birchover and then finishes at Middleton Top. Students walk around 10 miles each day and are self-sufficient throughout. They also undertake a project on the Peak District during the assessed expedition.
Students have to undertake the other sections for at least 3 months with one section lasting for 6 months. All evidence and recording of their activities takes place online and once they complete all sections of the award successfully, they will then be invited to an award ceremony at County Hall in Matlock.
If they complete the bronze award successfully, they may then be interested in applying for the Gold award which is offered in year 12.
Contact Details
For more information, contact Mr Stapley via e-mail: NStapley@ecclesbourne.derbyshire.sch.uk