The first Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award Form 3 session after Lockdown 3 included games to encourage the personal development of leadership and teamwork skills. The year group was divided into teams and given certain tasks to do within a specified time frame.

Among the tasks were: learning how to tie knots, skipping in teams, working together to enter a tent-like ‘bothy’ (useful when stuck out in the open and needing shelter), and transferring a small ball from one point to another using a long-handled ball grabber and short and equal length pieces of guttering. Every individual was encouraged to participate. 

Mr Andy Crossley, Head of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme at Pangbourne College, said: ‘This afternoon’s session was a helpful icebreaker after Lockdown 3. The tasks set gave the Year Group an opportunity to get to know one another better and to learn more about what creates a good team and what characteristics are helpful in a good leader.

‘When they next meet, the year group will split into seven groups. Each group will then begin a series of sessions to enable them to complete successfully a Bronze Award expedition. They will also do their ‘volunteering’ in the College’s extensive grounds for the benefit of the wider College community.

‘Among the things they will learn are: cooking safely outdoors when following an expedition menu; navigation skills in order to plan and create a route card; setting up an eDofE account and finding out what evidence is required to complete successfully the Bronze Award; and erecting tents quickly (a useful skill after a long day’s walk and if the weather is inclement).’ 

‘Pangbourne College believes the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme is a valuable means of encouraging personal development in young people. As a result, all members of Form 3 (Year 9) engage in the scheme.’