Outward Bound

OUTWARD BOUND

CCF The weekly syllabus is progressive throughout the 6 years, allowing the cadets to move up the ranks and gain valuable life and leadership qualities.   The varied activities undertaken help to develop skills which are then put into practice at regular camps both on and off site with a mix of tactical, adventurous training, ceremonial, and social events throughout the year.   Through a unique local partnership, we are also proud to welcome pupils and staff from Beechen Cliff School to our cadet and officer ranks. If you are interested in joining the CCF as a cadet or member of staff or would like further information, please contact the Contingent Commander Capt Philip Jones or the School Staff Instructor Capt Cerys Jones by email.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award 

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a world leading youth charity which gives 14-24 year olds a chance to develop skills for life and work. It demands commitment and can be challenging but is also great fun and pupils often remember their DofE expedition as a highlight of their time at school. King Edward’s annually runs all three levels of the award; Bronze are enrolled in Year 9, Silver in Year 10 and Gold in Year 12. Numbers have continued to grow and there are currently 105 pupils in Year 9 undertaking Bronze, 57 Year 10 pupils undertaking Silver and over 70 pupils in the Sixth Form working towards their Gold award. 

To take part, pupils are expected to complete activities in three sections:  Volunteering, Skills and Physical. They also complete an expedition as part of a team. The Gold award has an additional requirement of a 5-day residential.

Volunteering is at the heart of the DofE programme and provides pupils with an opportunity to contribute to their community or environment. In the past, pupils have helped at a variety of clubs and activities at the Junior School, Scouts, Guides and Rainbows, marshalled the park run, assisted elderly neighbours and local community projects. Volunteering in a charity shop is also very popular. 
The skills section aims to develop some interest or hobby and is all about learning. Pupils can learn an instrument, develop their acting talent, have driving lessons, begin photography – the world is their oyster!   

All sporting, fitness or dance activities count towards the physical section. Examples include Jui Jitsu, team sports, horse riding, dance, basketball, table tennis, football, badminton, fencing, cross country running, climbing. With so many different clubs and societies available at school, finding a fun activity could not be easier.   

One of the biggest challenges of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award is the expedition. The length of this depends on the level of the award: 2 days overnight at Bronze level, 3 days and 2 nights at Silver and for Gold 4 days and 3 nights. At KES Bronze participants complete a hiking expedition in the local area before heading to the Mendips or Marlborough Downs for the qualifier. 

Canoeing is the mode of transport for the Silver level expedition and after some rigorous training days and a practice expedition the teams complete their qualifier on the beautiful river Wye. Gold extends the pupils navigation and endurance with a 4-day hiking expedition, the practice typically in the Brecon Beacons and then the qualifier in Snowdonia.  The Bronze and Silver expeditions are organised by Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team and Gold expeditions by Wild Country Consultants.  An annual presentation evening is held to celebrate the achievement of our pupils on completing their awards.