The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

jpalmer870 Duke of Edinburgh November 16, 2017 | 0

Introduction

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award that develops young people for life and work.

The DofE Award is a voluntary, non-competitive, flexible, personal development programme of activities for young people aged 13-24. The DofE is a nationally and internationally recognised award favoured by colleges, universities and employers.

Bronze, Silver and Gold Level is currently available at The Rainey for our Yr11-Yr14 Pupils. Activities for each DofE section can be fitted in around academic study, hobbies and social lives. Development and regular progress must be shown and all evidence must be recording online using eDofE.

Award Sections

For each Level (Bronze, Silver and Gold) you need to complete activities in four different sections – Volunteering / Skills / Physical and Expedition.

At Gold Level you also take part in a Residential Project, it’s up to you what you do and if you need any help or support the Award leaders are there to help you. It could be something new or an activity that you already enjoy.

Volunteering is all about making a difference to other people’s lives. Perhaps you’re interested in animals or conservation? Or you might like to work with older people or raise money for a cause that means a lot to you? From teaching children cyber safety to starting a local recycling campaign, the Volunteering section of your DofE enables you to give your time to help others and change things for the better.

The Physical section is a chance for you to focus on your health and fitness and have fun along the way. As long as you pick something that requires a sustained level of energy and physical activity, the possibilities are endless.

The Skills section is about discovering what you’re really good at. Maybe you want to get better at something you already do, like playing a musical instrument, or learn something for the very first time, like how to design a website?

The Expedition is carried out as part of a small team. You will plan and complete a practice and final expedition that will truly stretch your horizons. You’ll improve your communication and leadership skills and take a rucksack full of memories home with you.

Volunteering Requirements

Bronze – 3 or 6 months*
Silver – 6 or 12 months*
Gold – 12 or 18 months*
Involvement is with at least one hour per week.

Physical Requirements

Bronze – 3 or 6 months*
Silver – 6 or 12 months*
Gold – 12 or 18 months*
Involvement is with at least one hour per week.

Skills Requirements

Bronze – 3 or 6 months*
Silver – 6 or 12 months*
Gold – 12 or 18 months*
Involvement is with at least one hour per week.

*There are two timescales for Volunteering / Skills / Physical – the longer period is only spent in one of the areas of your choice*

Expedition timescales

Bronze – 2 days and 1 night (at least 6 hours activity during the daytime)
Silver – 3 days and 2 nights (at least 7 hours activity during the daytime)
Gold – 4 days and 3 nights (at least 8 hours during the daytime)

Residential timescales (Gold only)

The residential activity should normally take place over at least five consecutive days with a minimum of four nights spent away. In exceptional circumstances, and at the discretion of the OA, this commitment can be spent over two weekends. However, it must involve at least four nights away within a 12 month period, during which the same activity is pursued.