The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

The School was saddened by the passing of HRH Prince Philip on 9 April.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

The Duke of Edinburgh has left behind a huge legacy with his well-known award programme, not least on the hundreds of High School of Dundee pupils who have benefitted from taking part in the scheme.

The High School’s Outdoor Activities Co-ordinator, Gordon Ross, said, “Here at the High School of Dundee we are proud to be one of the centres running the DofE award. Founded by Prince Philip in 1956, it has helped shape the lives of millions of young adults all over the UK.

“The award was established with the purpose of encouraging in young people personal discovery and self-reliance as well as teamwork and the earning of new skills outwith the classroom. Through it, participants serve their community via the volunteering section; experience adventures on expeditions; and learn and develop through the physical and skills sections.

“Since 2005, 819 of our pupils have completed the Bronze Award, 469 have completed the Silver Award and 200 have earned the Gold Award, the pinnacle of the scheme. The number of participants is higher than these figures so the contribution to the personal development of our pupils, and their impact on others - particularly through the volunteering section - has been vast. 

“Over the same period, 28 staff members have volunteered in various capacities in helping the Bronze participants during lunchtime and after school training sessions. In addition, these and many more teaching staff, FPs and external volunteers have helped to staff the expeditions.

DofE at the High School of Dundee

“Resilience is a hallmark of the programme, and with the help of our current training staff and the willingness of our pupils to adjust, the scheme has been able to adapt and continue during the Coronavirus pandemic.

“The mission of the DofE has remained unchanged over the course of more than 60 years. Whilst our pupils experience the award in a school environment, nationally it is offered in many different settings including youth clubs, hospitals, housing associations, prisons and young offender institutions.  

“The need for this Award has never been greater. We at the High School of Dundee look forward to continuing its legacy of inspiring, empowering and enabling young people to build the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to make the most out of life and make a difference to the world around them.”

You can find out more about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme at the High School of Dundee here.