The kids absolutely loved it, and the Pangbourne students were really good with them.
Explore Further
We offer a wealth of activities outside of the classroom, to add depth to each pupil’s personal and academic development. We are proud to provide a vast range of opportunities to our community in all kinds of areas.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme
The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) award scheme provides our community with opportunities to develop practical skills and character. The combination of volunteering, physical activities, skill-based challenges and expeditions give an all-round experience which is fun, rewarding and recognises a young person’s successful journey of self-discovery and development.
We are licensed to offer three levels of the DofE award: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Pupils are free to start at any level once they reach the required age, however, most prefer to start at Bronze and work up.
Our campus includes 230 acres of countryside, which offers ample space for pupils to carry out their training, before heading off to do expeditions in locations such as the New Forest, Lake District, Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons.
For more information, contact our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager at [email protected] or visit the Duke of Edinburgh's Award website.
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) programme is split into three sections: Army, Royal Marines and Royal Navy. Each section aims to provide pupils with a brand new experience during which they will gain self-discipline, teamwork skills and achieve formal qualifications within their particular specialism. This initiative ties in closely with the College’s traditions.
CCF is compulsory for all pupils in Year 10 and in subsequent years it is voluntary. Sessions take place once a week on Thursday afternoons, during which those in the Royal Navy participate in nautical boating and work towards sailing qualifications. Those in the Marines take part in fieldcraft and shooting, and those in the Army engage in fieldwork and soldiering. Ranks are awarded to pupils to build their self-discipline and moral courage.
Each term, a Field Day takes place where pupils undertake a full day of training which is normally supported by military personnel. We also have a partnership through the CCF with Denefield School, with their pupils joining us for weekly activities and field days. The programme is funded by the Ministry of Defence, and pupils are able to go on courses, summer camps and mountain bike trips, thanks to our sponsors.
Community Involvement
Pangbourne College promotes service. Pupils are expected to demonstrate their commitment through charitable initiatives and involvement at events such as Open Morning and outreach events where they act as College ambassadors.
Our charitable partnership with Nabugabo Community Learning Centre (NCLC) in Uganda is just one of the service initiatives pupils get involved with. They raise funds and organise visits to the Centre to share good teaching practices and aid them in becoming a self-sufficient, sustainable school.
We are also partnered with Whitley Excellence Cluster (WEC) with the aim of bringing activities and sports to over 4000 primary school pupils. As an example of the type of event we run, in 2019 we organised a race to complete a set of tasks within the College grounds.
Staff and pupils alike are encouraged to get involved with other charity endeavours, including classic non-uniform days and cake sales, as well as wacky ideas such as leg waxing to raise money! We collect items for ReadiFood, hold charity fashion shows for Oxfam and raise money for a range of causes through our annual Classic Car Show.
