What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities for anyone aged 14 to 24. It was created in 1956 and aims to improve the personal development of young people. The DofE offers individual achievements that differ from person to person depending on their goals, DofE encourages young people to get involved in exciting challenges. The DofE promotes teamwork, self-discipline, empathy and independence and is something young people remember for the rest of their lives.

DofE was created to encourage young people to venture out of their comfort zone and develop their skills. Everyone takes their own individual achievements away from the experience, but the main advantages of taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards are:

• It's open to all young people: The award doesn't consider factors like gender, physical ability or academic ability. The rewards are based on individual improvement which means that anybody can take part.
   
• The award conveys commitment, achievement and the ability to venture outside their comfort zone. It is also a great talking point with future prospective employers and shows where you can work independently and as part of a team.
   
• It's an opportunity to try new things: Lots of young people have never volunteered or gone camping. DofE encourages people to be outside and have fun with others whilst doing something they may have never done before.
   
• Practice teamwork: To complete DofE, teamwork is required. DofE encourages people to work together - something that is an important life skill.
   
• Give something back to the community: Volunteering is one of the biggest aspects of DofE. It is an opportunity to help others and spend time doing something that benefits other people. Volunteering enhances our life skills and gives us a different perspective.

How it works in Pathway 1

In Pathway 1 we start the DofE when pupils are aged 14. Pupils then work through three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. 

At each level you have to satisfy the requirements of four sections:

• Volunteering – Undertaking service to individuals or the community.
• Physical – Improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness.
• Skills – Developing practical, social or personal interests.
• Expedition – Planning, training for and completing an adventurous journey in the UK staying overnight.

Gold programme participants must also do the following additional section.

• Residential – Staying away from home in UK or abroad completing a shared activity.

Over the past few years here are some examples of what the pupils have undertaken:

• Volunteering – Litter picking,  supporting the Dogs Trust making snuffle mats and collecting blankets.
• Physical – Yoga, basketball, fitness, dance, football, jogging/walking.
• Skills – Cooking, pet care, signalong, weaving, yarn crafts,
• Expedition – 2 nights at Paccar Scout camp with activities such as zip lining archery, rock climbing as well as Rickmansworth, Black Park and Windsor walks.

Link to Duke of Edinburgh website   https://www.dofe.org/