The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards
A Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) programme is a real adventure from beginning to end. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from. You just need to be aged between 14 and 24 and realise there’s more to life than sitting on a sofa watching life pass you by.
You can do programmes at three levels, Bronze, Silver or Gold, which lead to a DofE Award.
You achieve an Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections (five if you're going for Gold).
The sections are:
Volunteering
Helping someone, your school, your community or the environment: This is all about making a difference to other people's lives. Getting off your sofa and taking time out to change things for the better can be great fun!
Physical
Becoming fitter through sport, dance or any fitness activities: You don’t need to be star athlete or the fittest person in the world to complete your Physical section. As long as you have fun, get better and fitter, then you’ll have done it! From playing for a local sports club to weekly dance classes, from free running to yoga, from ultimate flying disc to wheelchair football, almost any dance, sport or fitness activity can count. Have a chat with your Leader, your friends and family to see what’s around in your school and locally.
Skills
Developing existing talents or trying something new: From podcasting to painting, from Diving to driving, from music to making kites, whatever skill you choose can allow you to develop new talents or perfect existing ones. Follow a passion or discover a new one, the choice is yours.
Expedition
Planning, training for and completing an adventurous journey: Achieving your Award is an adventure from beginning to end and this section can give you some of your most memorable experiences!
From sailing along the Norfolk Broads to walking in Canada or horse riding in the Brecon Beacons, it can as far-flung or as close to home as you want it to be. You can also choose how you want to travel – it doesn’t just have to be on foot! You could choose to do your expedition by bike, by canoe, by kayak, by wheelchair, by sailing boat or even on a horse or llama!
Residential - Gold Only
Staying and working away from homeas part of a team, maybe in a different country: To achieve your Gold Award, you need to complete an extra section – the residential. This involves spending 5 days and 4 nights away from home on a shared activity with people you’ve never met before.
How long does it take to achieve an award?
This varies depending on which level of award you are aiming for. Bronzeis generally 6 months, Silver 12 months and Gold 18 months.
Where can I find out more about the DofE award?
See,
Miss Burrows-Bilton (PE),
Miss Horsfall (English),
Miss Morgan (ICT),
Mr. Thyne (Science)
Mr. Higgins (ICT)
Or, check out the DofE Website at http://www.dofe.org/ by following the links at the bottom of the academies home page.
