Duke of Edinburgh

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award all about?

The DofE is all about going the extra mile – gaining new skills, pushing yourself physically, helping others and exploring new territories. At the same time, you'll gather friendships, experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

Levels

You can do the Duke Of Edinburgh's Award at three levels, Bronze, Silver or Gold. Bronze in Year 9 and Silver in Year 10 - you don't have to have done Bronze to join your friends on the Silver! Each of the DofE awards are nationally recognised qualifications.

Sections

You achieve your Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections:

• Volunteering
• Physical
• Skill
• Expedition
• Residential (Gold Award Only)

The best bit is – you get to choose what you do!

Your programme can be full of activities and projects that get you buzzing, and along the way you'll pick up experiences, friends and talents that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

What to know more?

If you need any further information, talk to the Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator in school - Mr Hill email dofe@boltonstcatherinesacademy.org.uk 

If you've been given a place on an award, you can find out more info about getting started, choosing your activities and how to complete your award on the Duke of Edinburgh website www.dofe.org 

How do I get involved?

The summer before you reach Y9 or Y10, Mr Hill will present an assembly and give you details about how to let us know you want to be involved.

Once you have been notified you have a place, you will receive a 'Welcome Pack' through the post with lots of helpful info.

DofE is where you log your progress through your award programme, and is what your Leader checks and approves when you've completed your activity in each section.

Once completed

When you achieve your Award you'll receive a badge and certificate. You can also use your evidence in DofE to create an Achievement Pack. There is a celebration assembly at school with your year group and a Presentation Evening for all those who complete.

Bronze Award (Year 9)

When can I do my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award?

If you are in Year 9 but are only 13 years old, you may be able to start a Bronze DofE programme if most of your friends are already 14 – check with your DofE Co-ordinator - Mr Hill.

Activities for each DofE section take a minimum of one hour a week over a set period of time, so they can be fitted in around your academic study, hobbies and social life. Development and regular progress must be shown and all activities must be completed before your 25th birthday.

Bronze timescales:

• Volunteering section: 3 months (1 hour a week, 12 times)
• Physical section: 3 months (1 hour a week, 12 times)
• Skills section: 3 months (1 hour a week, 12 times)
• Expedition section: 2 days and 1 night

You also have to do 3 more months (1 hour a week, 12 times) in one of the Volunteering, Physical or Skills sections.

Silver Award (Year 10)

When can I do my Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award?

If you are in Year 10 and you have already completed your Bronze Award you are good to go. Even if you haven't completed Bronze, you may be able to start a Silver DofE programme - check with your DofE Co-ordinator - Mr Hill.

Activities for each DofE section take a minimum of one hour a week over a set period of time, so they can be fitted in around your academic study, hobbies and social life. Development and regular progress must be shown and all activities must be completed before your 25th birthday.

Silver timescales:

• Volunteering section: 6 months (1 hour a week, 24 times)
• Physical section: 3 months (1 hour a week, 12 times)
• Skills section: 6 months (1 hour a week, 24 times)
• Expedition section: 3 days and 2 nights

If you didn't do Bronze, you must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections.