Duke of Edinburgh Award
Click the thumbnail above to view the presentation
As part of our commitment to character development, we are really proud to be able to offer all students the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
From Year 9 onwards, the Duke of Edinburgh Award gives students the opportunity to try new challenges, develop leadership and communication skills and further enhance the vital character strengths of Tenacity, Optimism, Respect, Curiosity and Hard work (TORCH).
About the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The DofE is non-competitive and open to all young people. It's about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries. There are three levels of the DofE programme which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver and Gold Award.
To achieve the Bronze Award, participants must complete four sections:
- Skills
- Volunteering
- Physical
- Expedition
Every young person’s DofE programme is personal to them. They can choose what they would like to do for these four sections, and most activities can count. We will provide guidance and support and students can either choose to continue an activity they already do or discover something completely new.
During and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, participants who complete their Skills, Volunteering and Physical sections will also receive a DofE Certificate of Achievement. A formal recognition, by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, for their efforts at this extraordinary time.
Activities for each section take a minimum of one hour a week over a set period of time, so they can fit around studying, hobbies and social commitments.
About the expedition
The Expedition involves working as part of a small team to plan the aim of the expedition, choosing a location and receiving training to ensure they are fully prepared, before spending two days and one night camping in the countryside.
Ahead of this, they will take part in weekend training covering basic expedition principles including tent pitching and cooking and will be introduced to expedition equipment.
There will also be a number of training sessions in school in which the groups will plan their route and prepare. Participants will only be able to do their expedition if they attend the organised training.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and COVID-19
We can still offer the full DofE experience, safely and in line with Government guidance during the COVID-19 outbreak. The motivation and focus the DofE gives and its positive impact on mental and physical health, can play an important role in helping every student navigate our ‘new normal’. Safely developing skills and experiences to open doors in the future.
As participants can choose and change their activities, they can make choices that will suit them while social distancing or being at home. The DofE has provided useful advice and information, including activities and volunteering ideas. Visit dofe.org/dofewithadifference
The DofE has also introduced a number of flexibilities to allow expeditions to take place safely, in line with social distancing restrictions and Government guidance. While the expedition may look slightly different to those in previous years, they will be able to do theirs safely and with all the benefits and memories they would get at any other time.
eDofE and the DofE app
Participants can create their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme and record their progress using eDofE, the DofE’s digital system, available online at eDofE.org and through the DofE app, downloadable for free from Google Play and the App Store. eDofE enables them to record their intended aims, track their progress and upload evidence of their achievements.
When enrolled, we will set up an eDofE account and you will receive details of how to sign in and get started.
If you have any questions contact Mr Sykes-Wood (DofE Manager): jsykes-wood@suthersschool.co.uk
Follow the links below to find out even more
- https://www.dofe.org
- https://www.karosadventure.com
- https://edofe.org (current participants)
Start your DofE now
Are you ready to start an adventure you’ll never forget?
D of E Registration Fee: £23
Karos Adventure – Expedition Team: £170
Total: £193*
Payable over five instalments of £38.60
*PP support available, if eligible, please register interest
Please complete the below registration form and we will be in touch.