DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD

The Duke of Edinburgh Award (D of E) is the world’s leading youth achievement award. The award develops a host of personal and interpersonal skills through physical, challenges and commitments to skills and volunteering. Each level of the award culminates in a challenging, but rewarding, expedition. Over the past year this has included walking or cycling in the Scottish Highlands, and canoeing in scenic lochs and rivers.

There are three award levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Although most pupils will complete at least one award over their time at the College, we are proud to have many pupils who have completed all three awards. This achievement not only compliments our pupils’ academic attainment and CVs, but gives them a life enriching and unforgettable experience.

A Bronze D of E programme has four sections: volunteering, physical, skills and expedition. The award requires three months of volunteering, participating in a physical activity and learning a skill, which encourages time management and personal growth. A further three months must then be undertaken for one of those commitments.

Pupils also participate in after-school expedition training, a training weekend, and finally a two-day Qualifying Expedition.

As with Bronze, the Silver award includes participation in 4 sections, however this takes place over a longer period. Volunteering must be undertaken for six months, while six months is dedicated to a physical activity or a skill, and three months dedicated to the remaining section. Both the practice and qualifying expeditions takes place over three days/two nights.

Bronze Silver Gold

The Gold award is the pinnacle of the D of E scheme, and is for those who have shown commitment, and are willing to undertake a more challenging expedition. Acceptance onto Gold level is not taken lightly, as pupils must commit to spending 12 months volunteering, 12 months participating in either physical or skills, and six months in the remaining section. The expedition consists of a minimum of four days/ three nights for both the practice & qualifying expedition.

The residential section is exclusive to the Gold award, and requires pupils to individually organise and embark on a shared activity, in a residential setting away from home, for five days and four nights.

CLIMBING WEEKEND S2-S6

In the Autumn or Summer term, climbers head wherever the sun is likely to shine the most! The destination is usually Northumberland, and occasionally Glencoe when the weather permits.

YOUTH SQUAD CLIMBING WEEKENDS S1-S6

For pupils who are in Climbing Squad or who have been committed to climbing over a number of years, there is an opportunity to take part in a full day’s climbing. This is usually held at the International Climbing Arena, Ratho.

SENIOR CLIMBING S1-S6

We climb at the Glasgow Climbing Centre, The Climbing Academy, the International Climbing Arena, and various other outdoor venues. Those who show both commitment and a desire to excel are encouraged to pursue entry to the Regional and National climbing squads which offer additional sessions on a Saturday afternoon and throughout the week at respective climbing centres.

WINTERSKILLSWEEKEND&WINTERCLIMBINGWEEKEND

The Winter Skills Weekend is usually based in the Cairngorms, and offers a framework of the skills needed for adventuring in the Scottish Highlands in winter. The weekend includes ice axe and crampon use, avalanche awareness, route planning, navigation, and the foundations of rope work.

The Winter Climbing Weekend is for pupils who have been on the Winter Skills Weekend. During this trip, we continue to use the skills learnt previously, with the aim of climbing a winter route each day depending on conditions. This excursion is again usually based in the Cairngorms.

INTERNATIONAL CLIMBING TRIPS S2-S6

Over the October half term, there is an opportunity to go climbing internationally. We visit either Costa Blanca, Spain or Fontainebleau, France. The trip is open to Youth Squad members, and pupils who have shown a commitment to climbing over a period of time.

Senior Kayaking

The College has a kayaking base at Pinkston White Water Centre. The venue allows us to offer weekly, progressive, skill-based kayaking sessions through the autumn, late spring, and summer terms.

Kayaking Rolling Sessions

The College offers swimming pool sessions for regular kayakers who want to improve their water confidence. The intention of these sessions is to progress onto Eskimo rolling. Sessions are generally held indoors at Stirling High School.

We visit either a loch, river or both! Depending on the group’s abilities and conditions at the time, we continue to develop the various skill sets needed to enjoy this multifaceted sport. Often surrounded by beautiful scenery, we undertake camping or staying in group accommodation depending on the time of year.

INTERNATIONAL KAYAKING TRIP S2-S6

The international kayaking trip takes place in South of France on the River Ardeche. This is an excellent introduction into white water rapids, expedition skills and cultural appreciation of prehistoric rock art. Based predominantly at a central camp, we paddle the best sections of the river. The trip includes a two day journey with overnight bivi in the gorge.

Outdooreducationtrip

S1 pupils and teachers head to an outdoor residential centre to give pupils the opportunity to develop new friendships, meet teachers and set goals and expectations for the forthcoming year. The cost is incorporated into the first school fees instalment.

Outdooreducationprogramme

Pupils will participate in additional days of outdoor activities. This provides further opportunity to participate in a mix of adventure related activities each day, with a focus on challenge, fun and learning new skills.

Ski Trip To Italy

The senior trip offers S2 & S3 pupils the opportunity to visit the beautiful ski areas of Moena-Lusia and Val di Fassa. The area offers over 200km of slopes, with a ski instruction and a progressive programme allowing for beginner to advanced skiing abilities. Accommodated in the nearby and picturesque village of Moena, each day involves only a short transfer to the slopes.