Outdoor Education at CSIA
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
This voluntary, non-competitive programme of extra-curricular activities is designed to support the personal and social development of young people. CSIA offers all 3 levels of the award (Bronze, Silver and Gold), all of which require substantial commitment and are highly regarded by employers and higher education.
The Bronze award begins in Year 9, Silver in Year 10 and Gold is on offer to those students who continue into The VI Form Academy. In order to complete an award, students are expected to attend regular after-school sessions targeting the 4 sections of the award – Skill, Physical, Volunteering and Expedition.
Awards are presented at the end of the year, along with invitations to St James’ Palace for those completing the Gold award.
|
Date 2024/25 |
Expedition |
Year group |
|
Friday 20 – Sunday 22 Sep |
Silver DofE assessment |
11 |
|
Friday 11th – Sunday 13th Oct |
Silver DofE Practice |
10 |
|
Saturday 9th Nov |
Ten Tors Training 1 |
9 to 13 |
|
Saturday 7th Dec |
Ten Tors Training 2 |
9 to 13 |
|
Sunday 8th Dec |
Gold DofE Training |
12 |
|
Saturday 11th Jan |
Ten Tors Training 3 |
9 to 13 |
|
Saturday 8th Feb |
Ten Tors Training 4 |
9 to 13 |
|
Friday 14th – Sunday 16th Mar |
Ten Tors Training 5 |
9 to 13 |
|
Thursday 27th – Sunday 30th Mar |
Gold DofE Practice |
12 |
|
Friday 25th – Sunday 27th Apr |
Ten Tors Training 6 |
9 to 13 |
|
Friday 9th – Sunday 11th May |
Ten Tors 2024 |
9 to 13 |
|
Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th Jun |
Bronze DofE 1 |
9 |
|
Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd Jun |
Bronze DofE 2 |
9 |
|
Monday 7th – Friday 11th July |
Gold DofE Assessment |
12 |
All dates are provisional and subject to change
Ten Tors
The annual Ten Tors Challenge is widely regarded as one of the most challenging events uniquely intended for young people attracting teams from all over the country. For many participants the event stands out as a highlight of their teenage years, and for some, will be a life-changing experience.
CSIA students have the opportunity to join the 35, 45, or 55 mile teams on hikes covering that distance in 2 days over the rough terrain of the Dartmoor National Park. The teams of 6 must be self-sufficient, carrying all they need to camp out on the moor and safely complete their route before the 5pm deadline. Weather conditions can be testing and success or failure will depend on how the team has applied themselves during the training events.
