Outdoor Education and the Duke of Edinburgh Award

Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education is an engaging, effective and enjoyable form of learning. Outdoor Learning provides direct experience for learning about our natural environment and ways we can enjoy it. Outdoor Learning provides such a different climate for learning that people who normally struggle as learners often become motivated and capable learners in the outdoors. Teachers are frequently surprised by the abilities and interest shown by ‘poorly performing’ students when in the outdoors, and by the extent to which Outdoor Learning has awakened their potential. Battle Abbey School offers a variety of options within the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Duke of Edinburgh
A Duke of Edinburgh programme is a real adventure from beginning to end. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from. You just need to be aged between 14 and 24 and realise there’s more to life than sitting on a sofa watching life pass you by. You achieve your Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections (five if you’re going for Gold) – Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition and for Gold, a Residential.

You’ll find yourself helping people or the community, getting fitter, developing skills, going on an expedition and taking part in a residential activity (Gold only). Your programme can be full of activities and projects that get you active, and along the way you’ll pick up experiences, friends and talents that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Why do Duke of Edinburgh?
Achieving an Award will give you skills, confidence and a view on life that everyone is looking for, from employers to colleges and universities.
You’re getting recognised for doing things you want to do (and may even be doing already).
You’ll make a difference to other people’s lives and your community, be fitter and healthier, make new friends and have memories to last you a lifetime.

And above all, it’s great fun!