TDS Aspire Award 2026/27
TDS Aspire Award The TDS Aspire Award is designed to challenge our students to go beyond the curriculum, encouraging them to develop their character, skills, and independence while enhancing their academic profile and strengthening their post 18 education and career options. To complete the TDS Aspire Award, students must demonstrate a sustained commitment to the core values expected of a TDS Sixth Form student through active participation, personal development, and engagement beyond the classroom. This is achieved by successfully completing a range of compulsory and optional elements that recognise character, leadership, initiative, and wider enrichment. Students are required to complete the Gold Character Award and an independent extracurricular research project, attend a minimum of three visiting speaker sessions, and actively participate in at least four approved enrichment activities. Together, these elements ensure that students develop academically, holistically, and personally while building a strong and well rounded profile for future education, training, or employment.
How? To complete the TDS Aspire Award students must complete all 4 elements as detailed below: Character Award Extra-Curricular Research Project Complete the Character Award to gold standard. The Duston School Character Award is designed to help students develop character, commitment, and community spirit through volunteering, positive behaviour, and engagement with school values. Students work through Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, building on each stage. To achieve the Gold Award, students must: • Complete all Bronze and Silver requirements. • Volunteer for at least 40 hours total (10 hours Bronze + 15 hours Silver + 15 additional hours for Gold) • Maintain over 96% attendance and punctuality. • Secure their work experience placement. Complete and present an extra- curricular research project. Students will undertake a research- based enrichment project in an area of personal interest. This project is designed to mirror university-style independent study, enabling students to explore a subject in greater depth and develop new knowledge and skills. Upon completion, students produce a summary of their findings and deliver a presentation to teachers and a small group of peers. This process helps to build confidence, communication skills, and academic independence, while also strengthening future university (UCAS) applications and career pathways. TDS Aspire Award
Visiting Speakers Enrichment activities Attend a minimum of three visitor speaker sessions. These sessions could include: • Alumni speakers • University speakers • Gap year speakers • Apprenticeship speakers • Professionals from various job sectors • Coaching/Mentoring sessions Complete at least 4 approved enrichment activities. These activities could include: • Interview Evening • Ready Steady Cook • Bake Off • First Aid qualification • Young enterprise • Debate club competition • Lamda qualification • Peer mentoring • Other approved activities as agreed with NMO TDS Aspire Award
Approved Enrichment Activities Interview Evening Students take part in a structured evening of mock interviews with teachers, alumni, parents, and local employers. They complete multiple short interviews, helping them practise answering questions, improve confidence, and develop professional communication skills. Preparation sessions beforehand ensure students understand expectations and receive constructive feedback to support future applications. Ready Steady Cook A practical cooking competition where students create a meal, often within a time limit, using set ingredients. Dishes are judged on taste, creativity, and presentation, helping students develop teamwork, problem-solving, and essential life skills such as cooking and food preparation. Bake Off A baking competition where students design and produce baked goods such as cakes or pastries. Judging focuses on presentation, flavour, and technical skill. This activity encourages creativity, independence, and attention to detail while also building resilience under pressure. First Aid Qualification A certified training course where students learn important life-saving skills such as CPR, dealing with injuries, and responding to emergencies. It builds confidence in handling real-life situations and provides a recognised qualification that is valuable for both employment and personal development. Young Enterprise Students work in teams to create and manage their own business, from designing a product or service to marketing and selling it. They compete against other schools, developing skills in leadership, teamwork, financial management, and entrepreneurship while gaining real-world business experience. TDS Aspire Award
Debate Club Competition A weekly club where students research, prepare, and debate topical issues. Students compete in local and county competitions, developing strong public speaking, critical thinking, and argument- building skills, as well as confidence in expressing their ideas. LAMDA Qualification A public speaking qualification where students prepare and deliver speeches. It helps develop confidence, clarity of speech, and strong communication skills, which are useful for presentations, interviews, and academic work. Peer Mentoring Students receive training in mentoring and safeguarding before being paired with younger pupils. They meet regularly to provide academic support and guidance, helping build confidence and wellbeing in mentees while developing leadership, responsibility, and interpersonal skills in mentors. Other Approved Activities (with NMO) Students can take part in additional enrichment activities approved by the Head of Sixth Form. These are tailored to individual interests and may include leadership, volunteering, or skill-based opportunities that support personal development and future career goals. TDS Aspire Award
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