The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a nationally recognised programme that gives young people the opportunity to develop new skills, support their community, improve their physical fitness and take on exciting challenges. It is open to all young people aged 14–24, with students able to begin Bronze in the school year in which they turn 14. The Award is designed around personal development rather than competition: participants choose activities that interest them, set their own goals and work towards completing the required sections with the support of their DofE Leaders.

There are three levels of Award:

• Bronze: From age 14; at least 6 months to complete. Students undertake Volunteering, Physical Exercise, Skills, and a 2-day/1-night Expedition.
• Silver: From age 15; at least 6 months to complete for those who have achieved Bronze. Students undertake Volunteering, Physical Exercise, Skills and a 3-day/2-night Expedition.
• Gold: From age 16; at least 12 months to complete for those who have achieved Silver. Students undertake Volunteering, Physical Exercise , Skills and a 4-day/3-night Expedition, as well as a 5-day/4-night Residential experience.

Taking part in the DofE provides students with an opportunity to step outside their usual routines, discover interests and develop skills that are valuable both in school and beyond. Through volunteering, physical activity, learning new skills and adventurous expeditions, students develop confidence, resilience, independence, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills. The Award also provides memorable experiences, opportunities to make new friends and achievements that students can talk about in future applications for university, apprenticeships, employment and other opportunities. Most importantly, completing a DofE programme gives young people the satisfaction of setting themselves a challenge, persevering with it and seeing it through to completion.

To sign up, please speak to Mr Valente or Mr Handley at school.