The Duke of Edinburgh Award

Welcome to Blacon High School’s Duke of Edinburgh Award Program – an exciting and enriching journey that empowers our students to push boundaries, develop skills, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Program has become a hallmark of personal development for young individuals worldwide.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an adventurous challenge that encourages our students to explore their potential across four key sections:

1. Volunteering: In this section, students dedicate their time and efforts to make a positive impact on the community. Whether it's supporting local charities, assisting in environmental projects, or mentoring younger students, volunteering fosters a sense of responsibility and civic duty.

2. Physical: Physical fitness is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Students choose an activity they are passionate about, be it a sport, dance, or outdoor pursuit, and commit to improving their physical well-being. This section encourages them to set personal fitness goals, develop resilience, and appreciate the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle.

3. Skills: The Skills section encourages students to explore and develop a new talent or enhance existing ones. From learning a musical instrument to acquiring a new language or mastering a craft, this section fosters creativity, perseverance, and a lifelong love for learning.

4. Expedition: Adventure awaits in the Expedition section, where students plan, prepare, and embark on outdoor journeys. This not only builds teamwork and leadership skills but also nurtures a deep appreciation for the environment and the value of collaboration in the face of challenges. Students will complete a weekend training expedition before completing their assessment expedition which will normally take place on Anglesey or on the Llyn Peninusla in North Wales.

Each of these sections plays a vital role in shaping well-rounded individuals, instilling qualities such as leadership, resilience, and a commitment to social responsibility. As students complete the different levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – they embark on an inspiring journey of self-discovery and personal growth. 

At Blacon High School, we are proud to offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award as a key component of our commitment to holistic education, aligning with our values of Respect, Relationships and Resilience.

We encourage all Year 10 students to join us on this adventure, where they will not only earn a prestigious award but also develop the skills and character traits that will serve them well in their future endeavours.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is led by Miss Ankers.

 

Cultural Capital and Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC)

Introduction: 

Cultural capital encompasses the knowledge, skills, experiences, and exposure to diverse cultural activities that individuals accumulate throughout their lives. As a school, we prioritise the development of cultural capital among our students. This summary provides an overview of cultural capital, its importance, how we support it through LOTC and other means.

Definition of Cultural Capital: 

Ofsted define 'cultural capital' as “the essential knowledge that pupils need to be educated citizens, introducing them to the best that has been thought and said and helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement.” It encompasses a wide range of experiences, including exposure to arts, heritage, sports, languages, and other cultural activities. 

Cultural Capital is about students being able to learn about and name things that are, for many, outside their daily experience.   

Developing cultural capital is a fundamental priority for our school. We are committed to continuing to develop cultural capital experiences for all our students. By integrating cultural capital opportunities, we demonstrate our dedication to providing a broad and balanced curriculum. This focus on cultural capital and a curriculum that provides diverse experiences and cultural opportunities broadens students’ horizons, nurtures curiosity, shapes their understanding of the wider world, strengthens aspirations, supports their personal and academic growth, and instils a lifelong love of learning. 

Learning outside the classroom (LOTC) plays a central role in this aim to develop cultural capital. Throughout the academic year we organize educational visits, trips, and excursions to museums, galleries, historical sites, theatres, and natural environments. These experiences expose students to new perspectives, foster critical thinking, and stimulate creativity.  

As part of their curriculum, all Year 7 students take part in a small group, outdoor education day at Delamere Forest.

During enrichment week in the final week of the 2023 summer term, all students visited two cultural venues in either Liverpool or Manchester. The venues include a range of art galleries, museums, religious buildings, football grounds and city tours. 

We offer a wide range of enrichment activities and extracurricular clubs at lunchtime and after school. These opportunities allow students to explore their interests, develop talents, and engage with cultural diversity. Examples of activities include art workshops, coding club, classics and languages clubs, music ensembles, Dungeons and Dragons club, a wide range of sports clubs and STEM projects. By participating in these activities, students gain exposure to different cultures, develop social and teamwork skills, and enhance their creativity.