DofE and expeditions

Duke of Edinburgh Awards and School expeditions

The popular and challenging Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, as well as a range of school expeditions overseas, offer further opportunities for our students to develop leadership and team skills beyond the boundaries of the school.

Duke of Edinburgh

Old Swinford Hospital’s Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is one of the most popular activities in the school. A third of every year group from Year 9 upwards takes part in this demanding programme. In 2007/08, an amazing 19 students received the prestigious Gold Award.

Expeditions

Each year at Old Swinford Hospital provides opportunities for pupils to travel overseas, either on sports tours, music tours, business trips or other curriculum related activity.

Every other year, the school organises a month-long expedition to a far-flung destination. Recent trips include expeditions to India and Ecuador, with a visit to Borneo planned for the summer of 2009. These are life-changing experiences for our students that they will always remember.

Every member of the party undergoes rigorous training and is expected to take part in fund-raising for the expedition through individual sponsorship, collective endeavour or by taking a part-time job.