MVA Becomes First Online School to Offer Duke of Edinburgh's Award
In an unprecedented step, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has approved Minerva Virtual Academy (MVA)'s licence to run the Bronze Award scheme for our Year 9 students this year.
This is a hugely prestigious award that recognises sustained and extraordinary determination, hard work, and self-reliance, and we are thrilled that MVA students will now have the opportunity to add this accolade to their lists of achievements.
MVA has long followed an ideology of keeping all the best bits of traditional mainstream school, but in a flexible online environment. Anything a student could achieve at their local bricks-and-mortar school should also be achievable at MVA - and ideally with an even bigger smile on their face.
This latest addition to our enrichment options brings us one step closer to that vision, encompassing all the standard DofE activities, including learning new skills, volunteering, and a two day hike with an overnight camp in the middle.
The team first started working on this partnership back in April, formulating a plan on how to deliver the activities in an online environment, following the examples of MVA's existing online clubs and activities that already include everything from running to filmmaking.
Last week, this was approved by the DofE, and students are now taking taster sessions with the enrichment team to see who would like to take the plunge, with a full launch at the beginning of October.
Enrichment Coordinator Emily had this to say on what students can expect from their adventure:
"Many participants say that the Award supports their self-belief and resilience and boosts their mental health. Come along to turn the things you love, and the things you’ve always wanted to try, into powerful lifelong skills and prove to yourself that you can take on anything that life throws your way."
The exact location of the overnight excursion will be decided once everyone is enrolled, based on average student location, and any logistical or accessibility concerns.
