Pupils at St Joseph’s College are amongst the 130,000 young people who enter for a Duke of Edinburgh's Award each year

It is a highly regarded programme which benefits young people in many ways, especially when they see it through to the end.

The Scheme is jointly run by both teachers and qualified leaders. They are able to offer the necessary advice and support; pupils manage their own Award and, through the Scheme, develop their initiative, organisational skills and sense of responsibility.

Established in 1956 by its Founder and Patron, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical cultural and adventurous activities.

It is designed to support the personal and social development of young people aged 14-25, regardless of gender, background or ability.

The Award offers an individual challenge and encourages young people to undertake exciting, constructive, challenging and enjoyable activities in their free time.

There are three levels of Award within The Duke of Edinburgh's Award:

• Bronze - for those aged 14 and over
• Silver - for those aged 15 and over
• Gold - for those aged 16 and over.

Each level of Award is split into four Sections:

• Service encourages participants to help individuals and the community
• Skills can cover almost any hobby, skill or interest of the participant
• Physical recreation focuses on sport, dance and fitness
• Expedition includes training for, planning and completing a journey on  foot or horseback, or by boat or cycle.

There is an additional requirement at gold level which is a residential project. This introduces young people to an enterprise with a specific purpose. They will be in the company of people previously unknown to them and away from home in an unfamiliar environment, typically a youth hostel, camp or sailing ship.