All Chesterfield cadets take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. This is a nationally recognised series of awards that are very attractive to universities and potential employers.
The scheme is based on personal progression and development. There are three levels to the award, Bronze, Silver and Gold. At each level of the award you will have to demonstrate that you have completed the following activities, most of which you will already be doing as a cadet anyway:
Service
In this section, the cadet needs to show that they have been of help to the community. Our cadets help out with a variety of charities and other good causes throughout the year whilst a number of them are involved in training the newer, younger cadets. These activities will generally fulfil the criteria for the Bronze Award. NCO service as a Corporal is often used to qualify for Silver whilst Staff Cadet or Senior NCO service as a sergeant or above can be used to qualify for the Gold Award.
Skill
Many cadets use their ATC exam studies to qualify for this section. Leading Cadet training will count for Bronze, Senior Cadet for Silver and Staff Cadet for Gold.
Physical Recreation
In this section the cadet needs to show an improvement in their physical abilities. This may be done via tests in a series of exercises or it might be done via participation and training in a new activity.
Cadets on Chesterfield Squadron are now able to take part in an Archery Course.
Expedition
This consists of an expedition in open country. It can take place on foot, by cycle, canoe or even on horseback. For Bronze, an expedition will consist of 15 miles of walking over two days camping for one night. For Silver, the cadet must complete 30 miles walking over 3 days with 2 nights camping. For the Gold Award, they need to cover 50 miles over 4 days with 3 nights camping.
Residential
(Gold only)
Many cadets use the work that they do training other cadets during their annual Summer Camp or at the Trent Wing Beckingham Camp to qualify for this section.