Caxton College Students Aim for Gold

By Bjorn Rose, Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator

We are thrilled to share an update on a truly exceptional programme at Caxton College: the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. This globally recognised achievement empowers young people to develop crucial life skills, foster personal growth, and contribute positively to their communities. At Caxton, we are incredibly proud of the significant commitment and outstanding achievements of our students participating in this challenging and highly respected award.

For the upcoming 2025/26 academic year, we are excited to announce a robust participation across all levels of the Award. We will have almost 90 dedicated students working collaboratively in teams at the Bronze level in Year 10. Our Year 11 students will be striving for the Silver Award, while our most experienced participants in Years 12 and 13 will be tackling the prestigious Gold Award. This widespread engagement demonstrates the growing enthusiasm and dedication our students have for this transformative program.

This academic year 2024/25 marked a momentous milestone for Caxton College. We are delighted to announce that our first six participants successfully completed the demanding Gold Award! This is an extraordinary achievement, especially when viewed in the wider context of Spain. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is offered through 44 Independent Award Centres (IACs) across Spain, much like Caxton College. In 2025, there were 670 Gold participants registered in the country. Remarkably, only 17 of these participants were able to meet the rigorous standard required for the Gold Award in Spain, and an incredible six of those were from Caxton College.

This outstanding success rate highlights the exceptional dedication, resilience, and leadership qualities fostered in our students. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is not simply a certificate; it is a testament to an individual's commitment to personal development in four key areas: Volunteering, Physical Recreation, Skills, and the culminating Expedition (with an additional Residential Project for the Gold Award). Participants spend months, sometimes years, developing new skills, pushing their physical boundaries, serving their communities, and navigating challenging environments as part of a team.

The competitive and highly sought-after nature of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award cannot be overstated. Its international recognition as a mark of excellence instils invaluable qualities in our participants, including:

• Resilience and Determination: Overcoming obstacles and persevering through challenges.
• Teamwork and Leadership: Collaborating effectively and taking initiative.
• Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Thinking critically and responding to unforeseen circumstances.
• Self-Reliance and Confidence: Developing independence and belief in one's abilities.
• Community Engagement: Understanding the importance of giving back and making a difference.

Completing a Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, particularly at the Gold level, is a significant accomplishment that stands out on university applications and future career paths. It demonstrates a well-rounded individual with a proactive approach to learning and life.

We look forward to sharing more updates on our students' progress throughout the 2025/26 academic year as they embark on their Duke of Edinburgh's International Award journeys. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and the lasting impact this programme has on their development.