Duke of Edinburgh Program
Elmwood is very fortunate to have a strong Duke of Edinburgh Award Program. The program was first introduced at Elmwood 13 years ago; it is considered one of the best programs for the personal development of young people. It is non competitive and everyone has the ability to experience success. The program offers a progression of growth and personal challenge through the three levels. A natural fit for Elmwood, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program complements the International Baccalaureate curriculum with activities that strengthen students’ sense of responsibility, providing them with opportunities to take risks and become involved in their surrounding community.
At Elmwood, all Grade 9 students participate in the Bronze level. Students in Grade 10, 11 and 12 have the opportunity to complete their Silver and Gold levels. There are more than 33,000 young people in Canada who participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program and Elmwood School has the highest number of Gold Award recipients per capita in Ontario. Achieving the Gold Award is a tremendous honour as it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. The Governor General or a member of Royalty presents the Gold Awards each year.
The program has four components that the students must complete: community service, skill development, physical recreation and expedition. At each level of the program the required hours for each component increases. The highlight of the program for many of the girls at Elmwood is the outdoor expedition. In the past, our students have tested themselves with canoeing, hiking and dog-sledding trips. Prior to each expedition all students participate in a practice trip and have the opportunity to learn various outdoor adventure skills. To complete the Gold level, students must also participate in a Residential Project where they live and work with others away from home for a minimum of 5 days and 4 nights. In March 2010 a number of Elmwood students travelled to Kenya with Me to We to build a school for their Residential Project.
At Elmwood, Ms. Erin Derbyshire is the coordinator for the Duke of Edinburgh Program. She plans, prepares and accompanies the students on their expeditions, she assists the girls with their planning and recording as they complete the various components, and she ensures that their applications are ready for an external moderation. Ms. Derbyshire also works with the Student Leaders to make sure that every student has the support they need to be successful in the program.
Two Grade 12 students each year are selected to be the Duke of Edinburgh Leaders at Elmwood. Through an application and interview process these students are chosen based on their experience, certifications and current standing in the program. This year, our current Student Leaders are Alex Vincent and Irena Wight. In addition to completing their Gold Level, they assist students in their Bronze and Silver levels on their expeditions and with the many other aspects of the program. They are great role models for the younger students and we congratulate Alex and Irena for their accomplishments.
Student testimonials:
Sarah Pullen was one of the Student Leaders for the 2009 – 2010 school year. At the awards ceremony in June Sarah remarked “These experiences have led me to a new understanding of myself. I’ve learned that perseverance and stamina are important characteristics, and that a sense of humour will get you through a lot. Also, that being part of a team is a great way to get things done, and to always look on the bright side,” “…my take-aways from the Duke of Ed Program are simple: I am more confident, more focused; I see more broadly and I feel more engaged in my community and the world around me; and I know that I am part of a bigger network of Duke of Eddies and I always have that team wherever I go in the world.”
Katie Doherty completed her Duke of Ed Bronze level in 2009 – 2010, including a hiking trip in the Gatineau Hills. She said “We made a lot of mistakes throughout the trip, but had fun and definitely learned a lot. I learned that teamwork is the key to any success and hard work and excellent preparation produce great results.” Katie said about her personal skill effort to learn how to sew: “The Duke of Ed Program makes you engage in activities that you might not have done otherwise. And more importantly you just might end up enjoying them as much as I did.”
Gold Award recipient Madison Ellas said “The Duke of Edinburgh Program has definitely challenged all of us, and given us a chance to grow and mature into well-rounded young adults, ready to take on a world outside Elmwood.”
We are proud to be able to offer this program to the girls at Elmwood School.
