The Duke of Edinburgh s Award Waltham Forest Report 2015/16

Transcription

1 The Duke of Edinburgh s Award Waltham Forest Report 2015/16

2 I am pleased to present the Duke of Edinburgh s Award Annual Statistical Report for 2015/16 which details levels of engagement and attainment by young people in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. As the report demonstrates, the scale of DofE activity in Waltham Forest has increased significantly over the last two years, with more young people than ever before taking part in our programmes. Taking part in DofE activities helps young people to grow and develop, preparing them for both life and work. The balanced programme of activities develops the whole person - the mind, body and soul - in an environment of social interaction and team working. Participants learn to be independent, organised, resilient and confident. They learn to act as leaders and team members whilst giving back to their communities, taking part in physical activity, learning new skills and embarking on adventurous expeditions. These factors and positive influences make a Duke of Edinburgh s Award more valued and sought after by colleges, universities and employers than ever before. In a borough so affected by child poverty and relative deprivation, it is hugely encouraging that opportunities for young people to engage in DofE programmes are growing. The growth in Waltham Forest is due in no small part to the hard work and dedication contributed by teachers, youth leaders, volunteers and senior leadership teams. Without their support, the significant progress that has taken place in the borough over the past two years would not have been possible. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who has encouraged a young person to begin their DofE journey, assessed programme activities, taken participants to meetings, waited in the rain for a group to pass through a checkpoint, resourced delivery, signed a licence agreement or otherwise supported young people in Waltham Forest to take on the opportunities afforded by DofE programmes in the last year. Despite a great year, it is important that we do not rest on our laurels. With an ever expanding programme matched by ever expanding demand, we must adapt, reflect and be resourceful in our approach for us to continue our success. Ongoing investment into the skills and structure of our DofE staff teams is essential to ensure young people are supported to complete their whole Award and realise their achievements. This is an exciting time to be involved in DofE delivery in Waltham Forest and I am very much looking forward to the year ahead. Peter Fleet Director - London Region 2

3 Contents Introduction by the Director 2 What s it all about? 4 Waltham Forest s headline statistics 6 Participation in London Boroughs 7 Early Help New participants 10 Awards achieved 11 Completion rate 12 Growth 14 Participant demographics 17 Leyton Sixth Form College 18 Waltham Forest has a youth unemployment rate of 8%, higher than both the London and the national averages. The crime rate per population is one in twelve, considerably higher than the national average. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is highly valued by universities and employers and promotes community cohesion. More than half of pupils in Waltham Forest do not have English as a first language and 23% of children live in out-of-work families, both higher than the London and national averages. Young people are encouraged to work together to achieve shared aims and take responsibility for each other and their communities. People in Waltham Forest are less happy and more anxious than both the London and national averages. Over 70% of DofE participants report greater feelings of self-esteem and greater confidence through their engagement with their programmes. Sources: data.london.gov.uk; University of Northampton; Duke of Edinburgh s Award Impact Research 3

4 What s it all about? The DofE charity The Duke of Edinburgh s Award supports over 275,000 people aged 14 to 24 every year. Its ethos is to enable every young person of every background to take part in programmes and succeed, regardless of any barriers. DofE programmes DofE programmes are at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh s Award. There are four sections at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold: Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests Expedition planning, training for and completing an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad At Gold level, participants must do an additional fifth Residential section, which involves staying and working away from home doing a shared activity. Participants at Buxton School on their expedition Who can do it? Anyone aged between 14 and 24 can take part in DofE programmes. It is non-competitive and allows any young person to take part, regardless of their background or personal circumstances. DofE has been a very challenging yet fun experience. Qasida, participant, Buxton School 4

5 Participants at Buxton School preparing for their expedition Why should young people do their DofE? Enhances formal education The DofE enhances young people s formal education by enabling them to develop the whole person the mind body and soul in an environment of social interaction and team working. Inclusive and balanced programme The programme is achievable by all young people regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Whoever they are or wherever they are from, young people can enjoy unique experiences and rewards which are relevant to their starting point. Personal programme Taking part in DofE means a young person can design a programme entirely of their own choosing, picking activities based around their interests, passions and strengths. Enhances employability The skills and personal attributes developed through participation are recognised by employers, colleges and universities. Research with Gold Award holders showed: 79% developed leadership skills 83% improved team working and tolerance of others 85% gained confidence 61% continued with volunteering 74 % developed self-esteem 93% of young people feel under pressure to demonstrate they can be an all-rounder in the workplace The United Learning Trust (ULT) surveyed key organisations, such as Eurotunnel plc, Honda (UK) Ltd and Tesco about their graduate recruitment. Out of 29 activities undertaken at school these companies rated The Duke of Edinburgh s Award as most important.

6 Waltham Forest s headline statistics The DofE is delivered in 14 centres in Waltham Forest Percentage change (%) 2005/ / / / / /16 1 year 5 year 10 year DofE CENTRES % -22% -36% NEW STARTS % 19% 311% Bronze % 55% 307% Silver % -49% 170% Gold % 55% 1600% AWARDS ACHIEVED % 76% 1011% Bronze % 57% 905% Silver % 98% 1450% Gold % 750% 750% Completion rate (%) 2013/ / /16 Target new starts 2016/17 Target Awards achieved 2016/17 49% 93% 49%

7 Participation in London boroughs New participants in 2015/16 London Borough B S G Total Barking & Dagenham Barnet Bexley Brent Bromley Camden City of London Croydon Ealing Enfield Greenwich Hackney Hammersmith & Fulham Haringey Harrow Havering Hillingdon Hounslow Islington Kensington & Chelsea Kingston Lambeth Lewisham Merton Newham Redbridge Richmond Southwark Sutton Tower Hamlets Waltham Forest Wandsworth Westminster Awards achieved in 2015/16 London Borough B S G Total Barking & Dagenham Barnet Bexley Brent Bromley Camden City of London Croydon Ealing Enfield Greenwich Hackney Hammersmith & Fulham Haringey Harrow Havering Hillingdon Hounslow Islington Kensington & Chelsea Kingston Lambeth Lewisham Merton Newham Redbridge Richmond Southwark Sutton Tower Hamlets Waltham Forest Wandsworth Westminster

8 Early Help First aid training at Early Help The London Borough of Waltham Forest holds a licence to deliver DofE as targeted provision supporting the youth work of the Local Authority First aid training This is great!, I m having fun and I could actually save someone s life one day! I ve always wanted to learn first aid, and now I m doing it for my DofE skills, I m really enjoying learning as much as possible. 8

9 Feedback from Silver DofE experience I feel like I ve really achieved something special. I died! We all died! And somehow we were revived! It was a really valuable experience. I m motivated to learn more now! Participants from Early Help on expedition in the Peak District 9

10 New participants Young people that enrolled on a DofE programme at a centre between April 2015 and March New Starts 2015/16 young people started their B S G Total Buxton School DofE Chingford Foundation School Connaught School for Girls Forest School Heathcote School Highams Park School Leyton Sixth Form College Norlington School for Boys Normanhurst School Rushcroft Foundation School The Holy Family Catholic School and Sixth Form Waltham Forest Early Help Waltham Forest Volunteer Police Cadets Walthamstow School for Girls Total

11 Awards achieved Participants that completed all sections of their Award and were signed off by their organisation s Award Verifier between April 2015 and March Awards Achieved 2015/16 young people B S G Total completed Buxton School their DofE Chingford Foundation School Connaught School for Girls Forest School Heathcote School Highams Park School Leyton Sixth Form College Norlington School for Boys Normanhurst School Rushcroft Foundation School The Holy Family Catholic School and Sixth Form Waltham Forest Early Help Waltham Forest Volunteer Police Cadets Walthamstow School for Girls Total Participants from Waltham Forest receiving their DofE Awards at Chingford Assembly Hall, November

12 Completion rate The completion rate compares the number of young people enrolling on DofE programmes to the number that achieve their Award. New Starts 2014/15 Awards Achieved 2015/16 B S G Total B S G Total Completion Rate (%) Buxton School % Chingford Foundation School % Connaught School for Girls % Forest School % Heathcote School n/a Highams Park School % Leyton Sixth Form College % Norlington School for Boys % Normanhurst School % Rushcroft Foundation School % The Holy Family Catholic School and Sixth Form Waltham Forest Early Help Waltham Forest Volunteer Police Cadets % % n/a Walthamstow School for Girls % Total % 12

13 Participants from Early Help on their Silver expedition in the Peak District 49% of young people completed their DofE in Waltham Forest Buxton School Chingford Foundation School Connaught School for Girls Forest School Heathcote School Highams Park School Leyton Sixth Form College Norlington School for Boys 61% 56% A 50% completion rate is a target for all licensed organisations 73% Normanhurst School 63% Rushcroft Foundation School The Holy Family Catholic School and Sixth Form Waltham Forest Early Help Waltham Forest Volunteer Police Cadets Walthamstow School for Girls New starts 2014/15 Awards achieved 2015/16 The DofE was a challenging experience which has helped me improve my confidence. I believe the DofE will benefit everyone that does it. Sherry, participant, Buxton School 13

14 Growth The number of new participants in the previous year compared to the number of new participants in the current year. New Starts 14/15 New Starts 15/16 Percentage increase B S G Total B S G Total (%) Buxton School % Chingford Foundation School % Connaught School for Girls % Forest School % Heathcote School n/a Highams Park School % Leyton Sixth Form College % Norlington School for Boys % Normanhurst School % Rushcroft Foundation School % The Holy Family Catholic School and Sixth Form % Waltham Forest Early Help % Waltham Forest Volunteer Police Cadets n/a Walthamstow School for Girls % Total % DofE has made me into a whole new person. It has helped me grow up and made me more mature. It is an amazing opportunity for young people to join and gain new skills. Erin, participant, Buxton School 14

15 It is our ambition for all young people, regardless of their background, to have the opportunity to enrol on to a DofE programme. It takes a minimum of 6 months to achieve a Bronze Award, between 6 and 12 months to achieve Silver and between 12 and 18 months to achieve a Gold Award. Whilst participation has remained stable this year, it has nearly doubled in the last 2 years. 15 Participants at Buxton School on their expedition

16 9000 volunteering hours were given back to communities in Waltham Forest by DofE participants Participant at Leyton Sixth Form College during their volunteering That s a social value of 80,000 put back into communities It s not only to help them, but it also help us to increase our confidence to speak in different situations...there is no age to learning anything and we are never too old to learn anything! Mariyam, participant, Leyton Sixth Form College 16

17 Number of new participants Participant demographics Age of participants at enrolment Gender Age Male Female Bronze Silver Gold Total Participant ethnicity Personal circumstances Participants can volunteer to declare themselves in as many or as few of the following categories as they feel comfortable with. Last year, over 1 in 10 young people in Waltham Forest reported that they were facing disadvantage. 17 Declared In receipt of free school meals 23 Not working and not in full time education or training 5 Looked after or accommodated young person 19 Responsible for caring for someone else 1 First language is not English 21 Asylum seeker 1 In custody 1

18 Leyton Sixth Form College Volunteering at Leyton Sixth Form College I joined DofE because I was recommended to do so by my brother. I was told it was something unmissable and it is a fantastic experience. At first I was unsure, however the more I participated the more I started to enjoy the experience. I had no idea on what I wanted to do for the volunteering and after taking some time to think, I decided to take up the opportunity to help the elderly on how to use technology in the college hub. This volunteering experience has taught me valuable skills although I am supposed to be the one who is teaching the elderly! Just the fact that I have to teach the elderly on how to use technology has helped my communication skills as I have to make sure I am speaking clearly and I am being understood. This whole experience has taught me how to manage time as I have to make sure I don t dwell on a certain topic for too long which has helped me to maximise the amount of things I am able to teach. By volunteering, I feel that I am helping people in the community. Although I am not helping a lot of people, the fact that I am able to help even a small handful of people makes me feel happy and as a Christian, I feel that this is a duty of mine as part of my religion but also, I want to help people from my own will. Overall, I greatly appreciate that I was given the chance to do this sort of volunteering, I ve really enjoyed all the sessions I have participated in and I strongly appreciate all the skills I have acquired from it. I also enjoy the fact that I had fun while volunteering. Desmond, participant, Leyton Sixth Form College I chose to do DofE because I was getting bored with no fun activities in my timetable. I believe that I made an excellent choice as it is really entertaining for me. It encourages me to do extracurricular activities more often. Currently for my volunteering section I am teaching elderlies how to use modern technology e.g. computers, phones, tablets and ipads etc. Also I m helping them with their problems like filling in online forms and sending s etc. I find this volunteering really interesting and I enjoy doing it because I love to help people and it makes me feel good and proud of myself. I have learned many things from these sessions. I discovered different problems that may arise in modern phones and computers and learned how to help elderlies overcome those problems. This volunteering also improved many of my personal skills, I have improved my listening skills which helps me better understand what others are talking about, I have also improved my communication skills which helps me communicate more effectively and most importantly I have greatly improved my teaching skills and now I can easily explain things to others. Zabair, participant, Leyton Sixth Form College Volunteering at Leyton Sixth Form College 18

19 Participants at Leyton Sixth Form College were asked what the most valuable aspect of their DofE programme was. Loved the opportunity to volunteer for a charity Proving to myself I can do anything if I put my mind to it Getting to know my team members more and just being able to become more confident Meeting new people and gaining confidence The DofE enabled me to identify my strengths and weaknesses Being able to work effectively as a team and be more responsible Participants at Leyton Sixth Form College during their volunteering Being in control of most things and being responsible for your own time and belongings. And the time we spent with new people 19

20 It made me push myself more than I'd been pushed before and has shown me that I can keep going" DofE participant in London DofE London Victoria Charity Centre 11 Belgrave Road London SW1V 1RB Waltham Forest Hayley.Hyman@DofE.org General Enquiries facebook.com/dofelondon