Duke of Edinburgh Scheme

Denbigh School is a licensing centre for the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, and we are committed to support every student who wishes to take part in this popular national award scheme. The programme, which has been around for 60 years, is still as relevant to young people today as it has always been. Whilst undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, young people are set a series of personal challenges aimed at making them more confident and resilient as individuals and develop their team working and leadership skills, all vital skills for their future.

Participation in the programme is highly valued by employers and universities. Students can work towards their Bronze, Silver and Gold levels throughout their time at Denbigh School and we run an extensive programme of trips every year.  We were recognised for our commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh scheme as part of the Scheme’s Diamond Anniversary Celebrations.   

Students can start their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award in Year 9, when the scheme is launched in an assembly followed by a parents’ information evening. They can then progress onto their Silver Award in Year 10.  Students have to be 16 to start the Gold Award and therefore this is offered as part of our extensive Sixth Form enrichment programme.

Find out more about the Scheme on The Duke of Edinburgh Awards website.

World Challenge

Our Sixth Form students have the opportunity to take part in a World Challenge expedition during their time with at Denbigh School. Previous World Challenge expeditions have visited Malaysia, India, Peru, Tanzania, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstyan, Mongolia and China. Our next expedition, planned for Summer 2023 is to Ecuador.

World Challenge is an established and well-respected schools expedition company whose aim is to take students out of their comfort zones and expand their minds outside the classroom. Their expeditions are all planned with the students’ personal development and safety in mind and the participants are fully involved in planning and fundraising their trip of a lifetime. The life skills they learn on these expeditions aid personal growth and help secure university places and impress future employers.

Find out more on the World Challenge website.

Enrichment Days

We have an Enrichment Day Programme through which Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 students come off timetable for one day every term to explore and learn about aspects of life and community beyond the traditional curriculum.  Enrichment Days give students the opportunity to take part in trips to a range of national visitor attractions and to develop their life skills through in-school sessions led by visiting experts.  

Curriculum Visits

Throughout the school year, students have opportunities to take part in a range of school trips. Previous trips have included visits to Berlin as part of the GCSE History curriculum; theatre performances to support progress in both English and Drama, Geography field trip visits and a visit to CERN in Switzerland for A Level Science students. Students also take part in careers related trips to UK universities, apprenticeships fairs and companies such as the MINI Plant in Oxford. Students also participate in the Engineering Development Scheme (EDT) to give them an insight into STEM careers.