The world's leading achievement award for young people is a popular extra-curricular activity at Wellington. Our students join the 275,000 young people a year from every possible background taking part in the Award programme to broaden their horizons, develop their leadership skills, learn to work with others, volunteer in their local communities, increase their employability, and prove to themselves they can succeed at a serious challenge.
At all levels the Award requires commitment, over 18 months at Gold level and students can jump directly into any of the following levels (although, there are time benefits for going all the way through).
- Bronze in Fourth form
- Fast-track Bronze & Silver in Fourth form
- Silver in Fifth form
- Gold done over the Sixth form
Students manage their own Award through which they develop an understanding of themselves, others and the environment through the four activity sections:
Volunteering – asks participants to use their skills and experience to help the local community. This is usually done through the Wednesday afternoon service activities such as CCF and community service.
Physical – encouraging participants to get involved, have fun and get fitter through sport. For Wellington pupils this will most likely use their games option.
Skills - developing a skill helps participants get better at something they are really interested in and gives them the confidence and ability to use this skill both now and later in life. Music, Art and Drama are the most common routes but many other activities can count.
Expedition - For many the expedition section holds the biggest challenges, which come in different forms, from enduring pouring rain on Snowdon to organising your group in planning what food you will take. In preparation we have a comprehensive training programme. At Bronze level training for walking expeditions is delivered through CCF on Wednesday afternoons. For Silver and Gold we bring in specialist instructors to work with us in delivering training. Silver is limited to walking expeditions; but, exploring more technical and remote terrain. At Gold level we offer a much wider range of expeditions including walking, canoeing, cycling and horse riding.
With the additional Residential – For Gold level participants, only participants must undertake a shared activity in a residential setting for 5 days and 4 nights. They will be expected to organise this independently; although, there are opportunities within the CCF and Round Square.