The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Unit at MGGS is run by Miss Rein.  Sixth form students working towards the Gold level of the Award have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills by running lunchtime sessions for younger participants. 

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Stand at the County Show

MGGS has the top performing Unit in Maidstone and this was recognised by OFSTED in the 2006 report:

Effectiveness & efficiency of the sixth form – “Many students take part in the wide range of extra-curricular activities, especially the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.”

Personal development & well-being – “There is a high level of commitment by students to extra-curricular activities and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award activities.”

Pat Marsh, BBC Radio Kent interviewing Mr Cocker at the County Show 2006

Curriculum & other activities - “Large numbers of students take the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.”

As of September 2006 there are currently 283 students taking part in one or more levels of the Award.

The Unit’s completion and conversion rates are the highest in the County. There have been eight Gold Awards gained in the past five years.  Last year, 2005-2006, there were 47 Bronze, 43 Silver and 1 Gold Award gained.

STUDENT QUOTES
The part I didn’t like the most was …. Let’s start that again.  The part I liked the best was ….. I give up.  It was all great fun and I do not have any favourites!  How could I choose!?  Though to be honest I had never appreciated how soft my bed was until after sleeping on a rock solid lumpy floor for two nights.  Believe me, it hurts!                                                                                            
Joanne Fisher

As a team we grew to know each other extremely well, and were able to explore each others personalities more than we would when we are in the classroom.                           
Prema Sohun

DoE isn’t just about the expedition it’s also about the other sections.  For my physical I continued with my dancing as this is one of my hobbies.  For my service I helped out at my local Beaver pack.  I found this useful and enjoyed it thoroughly.  For my skill I learnt how to train my then new puppy.  This wasn’t only useful for me, but also for my family as it has helped them out as well.  I am so glad I did the DoE Award and am currently thinking about doing Silver.                                                                      
Rebecca Wing

I enjoyed DoE, even if the expeditions were tiring and painful.  My favourite bit was doing my Service (helping out at a club for children) and my Physical recreation (dancing) because it gave me new hobbies which I am going to continue even though I have finished the Award.                                                                                                                                                                              
Florence Kennard

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD.