Clubs & Activities

Duke of Edinburgh

Annual scheme, open to Years 9 and above

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) has been a catalyst for young people to give it their all since 1956. It inspires and enables each student to embark on a journey, push personal boundaries and gain wonderful, life-shaping experiences along with a great sense of achievement.

Fitzharrys School runs the Bronze programme in Year 9 and Silver in Year 10 for students who volunteer to do so. The Award is open to everyone – we are proud of our commitment to inclusion – there are no barriers to the Duke of Edinburgh programme. Bronze programme students attend meetings once a week from January to July to learn the skills necessary to complete the Expedition part of the Award. Students then work independently on the other sections which include learning a new skill, improving physical activity and volunteering in your local community or for a national charity. The highlight for many is the camping and expedition elements which we undertake in May in July.

The Silver programme encourages students to be more independent, and meetings are held only once a month from September to April. However, in preparation for the 3-day expedition, which can be in exciting locations such as the Brecon Beacons, the Forest of Dean and the Peak District, we have additional weekend meetings, and develop walking and navigation skills; last year we had a memorable walk in deep snow – all part of the fun of DofE. 

Students who have not completed Bronze may enter Silver, with slight adaptations. The Gold award programme is open to students in Key Stage 5.

Please contact Mrs Philbin to register your interest.

Letters and documents relating to the DofE schemes currently in progress can be found in an archive on our Letters Home page.

yoto CarnegieS Children’s Book Awards Shadowing

Annual scheme, open to Years 7 and 8 students

The Yoto Carnegies Children’s Book Award is “the UK’s oldest and most prestigious book award for children’s fiction” and is reputed to be the award writers want to win. The standard is very high, with the shortlisted novels receiving wide critical acclaim.

Fitzharrys School students can apply to participate in an awards shadowing scheme. We are proud to be part of an outstanding Abingdon programme, working alongside several local secondary schools. Students read and review the shortlisted books and attend events such as the welcome tea, quiz, and the forum. The shadowing scheme enables keen readers from Fitzharrys to interact with students from other schools, sharing ideas and working together to choose the book they feel most deserves the Carnegie Medal.

The programme is challenging but rewarding, leading students to read outstanding fiction, to further develop team work skills, and to build confidence in expressing their own opinions and ideas. The events are fun and exciting, full of freebies, prizes and cake!  

Participating in the Carnegie shadowing scheme can also be used as evidence towards one of the Fitzharrys School Awards.

If you are in Year 7 or 8 and are interested in participating, please visit the Library and speak to the school Librarian to register your interest.