Wigan Council is licensed as an Operating Authority of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award to maintain its aims and standards and is authorised to make Awards on behalf of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
As an Operating Authority the license enables Wigan Council to offer the Award to young people in the local area. This may be through Open Award Centres, Youth Groups, Colleges, Secondary Schools, Voluntary Groups, Uniformed Organisations etc.
Support from the Award Officer, including administrative duties, resources, meetings, training packages is given to all unit leaders who operate the Award in the Borough.
The Award is a challenging programme of activities which will help young people learn new skills, help others, experience adventure and give a great sense of achievement.
It is a voluntary non-competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities designed to support the personal and social development of young people aged 14-25.
There are 3 levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold and, for each participant complete activities in 4 sections:
- Service, to encourage service to individuals and the community.
- Skill, to encourage the discovery and development of personal interests and social and practical skills.
- Physical Recreation, to encourage participation and improvement in physical activity.
- Expedition, to encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery by preparing for and carrying out an adventurous journey, as part of a team.
- At Gold there is an additional Residential Section. - to broaden young people's experiences through involvement with others in a residential setting.
Participants choose their own activities, it could be something new, or a continuation of something you already enjoy.
The Award is about having a go, it's not a competition, but you do need perseverance.
Young people have until their 25th birthday to complete any of the Awards, but it takes at least 6 months at Bronze, 12 months at Silver and at least 18 months at Gold.
The key principles are
- Non competitive - a personal challenge
- Available
- Voluntary, its up to participants to choose what to do + in their leisure time
- Flexible, programme designed by participant
- Balanced - it will stretch you in all directions
- Progressive - you improve at your own pace
- Achievement focussed
- Marathon not a sprint
- Personal development, it’s the taking part that matters, getting an Award is the icing on the cake
- Enjoyable, it's about getting out there and having fun.
A numer of local contacts are listed below, In addition, Winstanley College, students can contact Karen Holland on 01942 769813.
Youth groups and schools in the borough who would like to get invovled in the award scheme can contact Karen Holland on 01942.769813 or email karen.holland@wigan.gov.uk.
