Sport Sports List Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme & Ten Tors
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme & Ten Tors
Duke of Edinburgh & Ten Tors
Millfield is licensed to operate as an independent authority within the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Every year between sixty and seventy pupils of all ages register to take part in the scheme, and it is a well-established and thriving part of Millfield’s extra-curricular programme.
There are different sections to the award which need to be completed (an expedition, a community service, a skill, a physical activity, and, at Gold level, a residential course), but within this broad framework there is considerable flexibility and variety available – recent activities undertaken have covered the alphabet from archery to Zulu beadwork, taking in charity work, juggling, pistol shooting, sculpture, and tap dancing on the way.
Millfield is very fortunate to be able to offer a wide range of activities which can count towards the award, and also to be situated in a part of the country which has considerable opportunities for expeditions – the Quantock and Mendip Hills are on our door-step, and Exmoor and the Welsh Mountains not far away. We also have a well-stocked store of all the expedition equipment needed. A number of awards are completed every year, and for the senior pupils who complete their gold award – which 13 did last year- this means a trip to St James Palace for a formal award ceremony. Whichever level is attempted, bronze, silver or gold, it is a thoroughly worthwhile experience which enables young people not only to acquire a range of skills, but also to be personally challenged and stretched.
Ten Tors
Ten Tors is an annual event run on Dartmoor over one weekend in May. 400 teams of six young people attempt to complete a route of either 35, 45 or 55 miles, dependant upon their age. These teams are totally self-sufficient for the duration of this journey. The teams aim is to complete the challenge by 5 o’clock on the Sunday having visited 10 checkpoints, situated on Tors, within the moor. No direct adult supervision is allowed during this period.
Millfield has been involved in this relatively local event for a number of years. Our participants, all volunteers, are taught the skills necessary to be able to safely complete the challenge. This takes place during training sessions which commence in the preceding September.
During the training period and the event itself, many life skills are learnt and developed, friendships are formed and expanded and the sense of achievement felt by those who complete the course has to be seen to be believed.