Dear Parents and Carers,
The Venture Award – Level One
We are excited to announce that this school year, our Year 7 students will have the opportunity to take part in The Venture Award, a fresh and inspiring outdoor development programme run by the Duke of Edinburgh team at Mascalls in partnership with BXM Expeditions.
The early years of secondary school are a crucial time for young people to build confidence, resilience, and curiosity, and The Venture Award is designed to help students thrive both in and outside of the classroom. Through fun, safe outdoor adventures, students will develop essential life skills while connecting with nature and their peers. The programme promotes wellbeing, resilience, teamwork, and independence, offering a safe, fully facilitated experience led by experienced BXM leaders.
About The Venture Award Level One
The Level One Venture Award focuses on teamwork, mental health, wellbeing, and connection, combining outdoor learning with practical activities that promote personal growth, environmental awareness, and healthy living.
Throughout the programme, which costs £60 per student, participants will take part in regular sessions in school before completing a one-day expedition at Adamswell Campsite in Tunbridge Wells. During these sessions, students will work on their Venture Award Booklet, which includes a “Being Active” section, encouraging 45 minutes of physical activity per week for six weeks, and a “Learning Something New” section focused on diet and nutrition, exploring how food choices affect both health and the environment.
On our Activity Day, students will enjoy three fun outdoor activities in the morning, followed by a guided navigation walk after lunch to build confidence, teamwork, and a deeper connection with nature. This enriching experience helps students strengthen their wellbeing, build resilience, and develop a strong sense of community, all while having fun and creating lasting memories with their friends.
Next Steps
If you would like your child to take part in The Venture Award Level One, please complete the online consent form (link provided here). Once this has been submitted, I will collate the list of students together and contact you and advise that payment will open on Scopay, where you can pay a £20 non-refundable deposit to secure your child’s place. The remaining £40 balance can then be paid in instalments throughout
the school year. Further details, including the confirmed expedition date, itinerary, and kit list, will be shared closer to the event and once we have a list of students interested in taking part, we will contact families to invite you to a Parents’ Information Evening. This event will provide an opportunity to ask questions and speak directly with BXM Expeditions staff and members of our school team. We believe this will be a truly valuable experience for our students, supporting both their personal development and wellbeing. As part of our commitment to character education and outdoor learning, we are proud to be expanding our Duke of Edinburgh Award offering this year. While the Venture Award is not directly part of the DofE scheme, it provides a natural and engaging pathway into the programme as students move through the academy.
This year, and going forwards, we are delighted to offer the following opportunities:
● Year 7 – Venture Award Level 1
● Year 8 – Venture Award Level 2
● Year 9 – Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
● Year 10 – Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award
● Year 12/13 – Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
We are extremely excited to see our students embark on these enriching journeys, building confidence, resilience, and a sense of adventure that will benefit them for years to come.
Should you have any questions or require further details, please contact me via ventureaward@mascalls.latrust.org.uk. Many Thanks,
Mr Sam Collis
DofE Lead
