Students at St George have the opportunity to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh award from Year 9. Six of our first cohort of students have successfully completed their Bronze Award, for which they went on expedition in the New Forest and volunteered at places such as old primary schools, cubs or helped home school younger children over lockdown. For their skills section, some pupils learnt a new language, pursued their interest in learning a musical instrument and one even took up wood caeving. In addition, for the physical section pupils cycled to school regularly, took part in local teams or after school clubs.

The DofE is a nationally recognised award designed to increase confidence, develop outdoors skills and give pupils an edge in their future prospects whether applying for colleges, apprenticeships, university or seeking employment. It is commonly cited as helping to increase self-confidence, improve a sense of responsibility and enhance teamwork skills.
The award consists of three levels: bronze, silver and gold. Each level comprises activities in volunteering, physical, skills and a final expedition. Each section of the award must be completed outside of the normal curriculum and guidance will be given to support pupils in their selection of activities evidencing of completion. Training for the final expedition will be in the form of workshop sessions and practice walks in teams of up to seven pupils. They learn to navigate, plan routes and  work as a team to plan for the successful completion of a two-day expedition.