The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is a major part of life at Reigate Grammar School and large numbers of pupils each year dedicate an enormous number of hours to expeditions, sports, helping the local community and learning new skills. In recent years, RGS has seen more candidates receive their Bronze, Silver or Gold certificates than any other school in Surrey.
At each level, the award is made of four sections:
Service
The aim of this section is to give service to other people and to the local community. It gives participants the opportunity to increase their self-confidence, to accept responsibility, understand strengths, appreciate other people and care for the environment.
Expeditions
In this section participants will plan, prepare and undertake an adventurous journey usually on foot but also sometimes on bikes, horseback or even in canoes, in an unfamiliar and remote environment. Pupils become part of a self-reliant team working together to overcome challenges.
The training syllabus includes safety and emergency procedures, basic first aid, navigation, route finding, map and compass skills, camp craft, country, highway and water sports codes and team building.
Skills
The Skills section is about developing personal interests and learning practical skills. It gives participants the chance to learn something new, get organised, meet new people, try something different and have fun.
Physical Recreation
In this section participants get involved in a sport or physical activity. It gives pupils opportunities to improve fitness, meet new challenges, increase self-confidence and gain a sense of achievement.