LONDON BOROUGH OF BARKING AND DAGENHAM The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Barking and Dagenham Report 2015/16 Contents Introduction 3 What’s it all about? 6 Headline statistics 8 New participants 10 Awards achieved 11 Growth 12 Completion rate 14 Case studies 16 Gold Award Forum 20 Participant Demographics 21 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 Barking and Dagenham. As the report demonstrates, the scale of DofE activity in Barking and Dagenham 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 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 makes 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 so prevalent. The growth in Barking and Dagenham 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 Barking and Dagenham to take on the opportunities afforded by DofE programmes in the last year. Special thanks must also be extended to Helen Jenner and Erik Stein from the Integrated Youth Service, for having the commitment, ambition and vision to support the local DofE partnerships. 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 Barking and Dagenham and I am very much looking forward to the year ahead. Peter Fleet Director - London Region 3 The successes across Barking and Dagenham over the last year have been the result of a team effort from the local authority, teachers and leaders across the borough. With additional support from Derry Thompson, we have seen record growth in participation. The local authority has committed to increasing the capacity of open provision at the Vibe Youth Centre and the universal Gold offer has proved popular with those young people who want to take up the highest level of challenge. Together we have begun to meet the demand for the programme and this looks set to continue. In the year ahead, the challenge is to ensure that these new participants are able to successfully complete an enjoyable and enriching programme. As is evident in this report, young people in Barking and Dagenham face considerable challenges. A DofE Award can have considerable on the aspiration, wellbeing, employability and opportunities available to young people - and it is often those young people who face the biggest challenges that stand to gain the most. As of this year, I am very pleased to report that the London borough of Barking and Dagenham is the first directly licensed borough with a DofE offer in every secondary school and academy. In addition, the DofE is now delivered at local special schools, the PRU and by Barking Rugby Club. This is truly a commitment to a high quality programme for all young people. These young adults will be our future decision makers and future leaders – leaders across the borough, the city and perhaps beyond. By investing in their future, we are also investing in the future leadership, creativity and success of our whole community. Matthew Barnett DofE Operations Manager (Barking & Dagenham) I am pleased with the growth of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Barking and Dagenham. I have enjoyed supporting DofE Leaders in the borough’s schools and youth service and I have been impressed with the work that has gone into ensuring that young people in Barking and Dagenham are able to access the DofE and the support they need to see the programme through. I look forward to continuing to work with the borough and I hope that the DofE continues to thrive. Derry Thompson DofE Operations Officer (Barking & Dagenham) 4 Barking and Dagenham has a youth unemployment rate of almost 8%, higher than both the London and the national average. Almost 6% of those aged between 16-18 are NEET, the highest percentage out of all London boroughs. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is highly valued by universities and employers and promotes community cohesion. More than half of pupils in Barking and Dagenham do not have English as a first language and 28% 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 Barking and Dagenham 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 5 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. 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 really helped me to be more independent but also more confident to work in teams and share ideas.” DofE Participant in London 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 their DofE means the participant designs 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 93% 85% gained confidence of young people feel under 61% continued with volunteering pressure to demonstrate they can be an ‘all-rounder’ 74 % developed self-esteem in the workplace The United Learning Trust (ULT) surveyed key organisations, such as Eurotunnelplc, 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. Barking and Dagenham: headline statistics The DofE is delivered in 14 centres in Barking and Dagenham Percentage Change 2004/05 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year CENTRES 5 8 12 11 10 14 40 75 180 NEW STARTERS 15 228 208 263 191 358 87 57 2287 Bronze 15 86 121 200 150 249 66 190 1560 Silver 0 40 34 8 28 60 114 50 n/a Gold 0 102 53 55 13 49 277 -52 n/a AWARDS ACHIEVED 29 45 69 45 68 71 4 58 145 Bronze 16 34 54 22 53 55 4 62 244 Silver 13 10 12 17 6 14 133 40 8 Gold 0 1 2 6 9 2 -78 100 n/a Target Enrolments Target Completions 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17