Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) develops young people for life and work. It helps them to fulfil their potential and have a brighter future. For many young people, the impact can be life-changing.
What is D of E?
Anyone within the age range below can take part in three progressive levels of programmes leading to a Bronze, Silver or Gold DofE Award. Whatever they choose to do for their DofE, they’ll make friends for life, have amazing experiences and enhance their CV and college or university applications.
- Bronze start the school year in which they turn 14.
- Silver start the school year in which they turn 15.
- Gold start at 16+ years old.
To achieve their DofE Award, young people complete their own programme of activities in these sections:
| Volunteering From helping at an after-school kids’ club or running an awareness campaign to raising money for a charity or working on a recycling project, young people can get out and help others. |
| Physical From football to yoga, swimming to skateboarding, participants get active as they take part in a sport, dance or fitness activity and show improvement over time. |
| Skills Participants learn a new skill or develop existing talents. From DJ’ing and science to drama and zoology, the sky’s the limit! |
| Expedition Through planning, training for and completing an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad, young people develop initiative and a spirit of adventure and discovery. |
| Residential (Gold level only) Participants take part in a shared activity away from home with people they don’t know. For example: a conservation holiday, a language course or helping on a kids’ activity camp… |
Participants keep track of their progress and get their Awards approved by their leaders through the online record keeping system, eDofE.
What will my child gain?
There’s not enough space here to list all the benefits so here’s a quick snapshot:
– Help to make their community a better place to live.
– Get healthier and happier.
– Become more confident and motivated to succeed at school and beyond.
– Learn how to overcome challenges and be more self-sufficient and resilient.
– Develop positive relationships with teachers outside of the classroom.
– Improve their social skills and make new friends.
– Open doors to further education or employment.
How long does it take?
You can expect each activity to take around one hour a week over a set period of time. Activities can be fitted in around your child’s studies and social life. They’ll need to participate regularly and be committed to their DofE during this time.
More information can be found at DofE – The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award