Last weekend, nearly three quarters of our Year 10 students took part in their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award practice expedition, an impressive number that reflects the appetite our students have for challenge, adventure and personal growth.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was established in 1956 by Prince Philip, inspired by the principles of Outward Bound and the belief that young people thrive when given the chance to push themselves, work as a team, and connect with the outdoors. That ethos remains at the heart of the Award today. It’s about developing resilience, confidence and character – not through textbooks, but through real experiences and hard-won lessons.
Here at Derby High, the Award offers students a clear and meaningful journey: from Bronze in Year 10, through to Silver in Year 11, and ultimately to Gold in the Sixth Form. It challenges them to step outside their comfort zones, to learn new skills, to serve their community, and to discover what they are capable of. The Award offers a unique journey of self-discovery, and for many, it becomes one of the most memorable and defining parts of their school experience.

To read all of this week’s Senior High Notes, please click here.