The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is a world-renowned award for young people that encourages them to develop in four key areas: Service, Skill Development, Physical Recreation and the Adventurous Journey. Heritage students have been participating in this award since 2010 and it consists of three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

The students are encouraged to independently set up their skill, service and physical activities but their preparation for the Adventurous Journey starts in the classroom where students are shown how to map-read, use a compass, cook outdoors and pitch their tent.

The students are involved in all aspects of planning their journey which gives them a great sense of achievement when they complete the expedition, which involves several days of hiking through beautiful Ugandan scenery and sleeping under the stars. Employers and universities recognise the D of E as substantial evidence of a young person’s abiltiy to plan, work as a team, problem solve, serve others and overcome challenges.