The Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) is an exciting and challenging programme that encourages young people to push their boundaries, develop new skills, and make a positive impact in their communities. Open to students in S3 and above, the Award offers a range of opportunities for personal growth and achievement through three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level has its own set of activities, designed to help participants develop a wide range of skills, including teamwork, leadership, and resilience.
Bronze Award
The Bronze Award is the first level and typically begins when students are in the third year of secondary school. Participants must complete four sections:
- Volunteering – Giving time to help others in the community or for a cause they care about.
- Physical – Participating in physical activities, such as sport, dance, or fitness, to improve personal fitness and well-being.
- Skills – Developing a new skill or improving an existing one, such as learning to play an instrument, improving your baking skills or even learning a new language.
- Expedition – Undertaking a self-sufficient, team-based journey, usually involving camping, where participants plan and navigate their route, developing teamwork and outdoor skills. (Two days and one night in length)
The Bronze level typically takes around six months to complete, depending on the amount of time participants can dedicate to each section.
Silver Award
The Silver Award is the next step up and is open to students who have completed the Bronze level or are aged 15 and above. The requirements are similar to those for Bronze, but with increased challenges:
- Volunteering – Continuing to help others, but with a more significant commitment.
- Physical – Continuing physical activity at a higher level or for a longer duration.
- Skills – Developing skills at a more advanced level.
- Expedition – A more challenging expedition, with participants required to plan and complete a longer journey in a more remote area. (Three days and two nights in length)
The Silver Award typically takes around six months for those who have completed the Bronze Award, or up to a year for those starting directly at Silver.
Gold Award
The Gold Award is the highest level of the Duke of Edinburgh Award and is suitable for those who have completed the Silver Award or are aged 16 and above. The Gold Award presents the greatest challenge and requires greater dedication:
- Volunteering – Giving a significant amount of time and effort to volunteering, with the opportunity to make a real difference in the community.
- Physical – Continuing physical activity, with a focus on personal excellence and leadership.
- Skills – Developing skills at an advanced level, demonstrating a sustained effort and commitment.
- Expedition – A more demanding expedition in a remote location, including an overnight camping element, and the requirement to plan and carry out a longer journey.
- Residential – For the Gold Award, participants must also complete a residential project, which involves spending time away from home, developing new skills, and meeting new people.
The Gold Award typically takes between one and two years to complete and is often seen as a prestigious achievement. Participants who complete the Gold Award are invited to receive their Award at a ceremony attended by a member of the Royal Family.
Why Take Part?
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a valuable and highly respected qualification that offers a range of benefits. It encourages young people to become active, independent, and self-confident. The skills and experiences gained can enhance future education and employment prospects and provide a sense of achievement that lasts a lifetime.
