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William Dauntsey Award

At Dauntsey’s, we believe in providing a holistic education that goes beyond the classroom, preparing pupils not just for exams but for life. This commitment is embodied in the William Dauntsey Award (WDA), an exciting initiative open to all pupils from the First Form to the Upper Sixth. Designed to inspire personal growth, the WDA encourages students to explore the wealth of opportunities at Dauntsey’s while embracing the school’s core values of being Ambitious, Brave, and Compassionate.

A Programme for Everyone

The William Dauntsey Award is automatically open to all pupils, no matter when they join the school. Divided into three levels—Bronze for the First and Second Forms, Silver for the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Forms, and Gold for the Sixth Form—the programme provides a structured but flexible framework for pupils to develop key life skills and discover new interests.

The Four Strands

The WDA is built around four key strands, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive approach to personal development. Pupils must engage with all four strands to achieve their awards, encouraging them to grow in multiple areas:

  1. Service
    Evidence shows that helping others can benefit our own mental health and well-being. This strand challenges pupils to make a meaningful difference within the school community and beyond, fostering compassion and empathy.
     

  2. Creativity
    Creativity exists in everyone, though it manifests differently for each individual. This strand encourages pupils to explore and express their creative talents, whether through art, music, design, or problem-solving.
     

  3. Physical
    Physical activity is an essential part of growth. Pupils are encouraged to either take their sport to the next level or embrace a new physical challenge, building resilience and pushing personal boundaries.
     

  4. Academic
    The academic strand inspires pupils to go beyond the expected, deepening their intellectual curiosity and striving for excellence in their studies.

In today’s competitive world, standing out requires more than academic achievements. The WDA helps pupils build a well-rounded profile, showcasing qualities such as leadership, resilience, and self-improvement—essential traits for later life. By embracing this award, pupils prepare not only for success in education but also for the challenges and opportunities of life beyond Dauntsey’s.Eleni Conidaris, Deputy Head (Head of Lower School)