Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) is a globally recognised youth achievement award that encourages young people aged 14-24 to develop their personal and social skills through a variety of challenges and activities. The DofE aims to help young people gain confidence, build resilience, and develop leadership qualities while also having fun!

Key aspects of the DofE:

  • Diverse Activities: Activities include volunteering, physical activity, skills development, and expeditions. 
  • Skills Development: The DofE promotes teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and other valuable skills. 
  • Global Recognition: The DofE is offered in over 120 countries, making it a truly global youth achievement award. 
  • Three Levels: The DofE offers three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, each with increasing requirements and challenges. 
  • Personalized Programme: Participants build their own DofE programmes, choosing activities that fit their interests and goals. 

Benefits of participating in the DofE:

  • Personal Development: The DofE helps young people gain confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment. 
  • Enhanced Skills: The award provides opportunities to develop essential skills for life and work. 
  • Employment and Education: The DofE is a valuable asset for university and job applications, demonstrating commitment, resilience, and teamwork. 
  • Global Citizenship: The DofE fosters a sense of global awareness and promotes participation in community and charitable work. 

The DofE is a well-established and respected program that provides young people with valuable opportunities for personal growth and development, as well as a competitive edge in higher education and the workforce.

At SJB we offer all three levels, Bronze (Year 10), Silver (Year 11) and Gold (Year 12). More information about each level can be found below.

DofE 2024
DofE 2024 2

All students in Year 10 are given the opportunity to register in the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award scheme in the autumn term. This is the first of three progressive levels of the programme.

Young people create their own DofE programme by choosing a volunteering, physical and skills activity. Students need to show a regular commitment (approximately one hour per week) for each activity over a period of at least three months. The fourth part of the award is an expedition which is organised by the school following the completion of a training programme.

Bronze DofE Image

We encourage all our Year 10 students to sign up to the Bronze DofE Award and run multiple cohorts during the year to facilitiate this. Please contact Miss Sears for more information.

 

All students who have completed their Bronze DofE Award are invited to undertake their Silver Award. This is a step up and shows a real committment to volunteering, and learning new skills. This award is looked on very favourably by universities, colleges and employers. The expedition usually takes place after their exams are finished in July of Year 11.

Silver DofE Award

We encourage all Year 11 students who have completed the Bronze award to undertake the Silver Award and really push themselves to continue volunteering and learning new skills.

If you would like to find out more about the Silver DofE Award then please get in contact with Mr Mander who oversees this stage of the award.

Gold DofE is offered in the Sixth Form with students having the opportunity to sign up in the autumn of Year 12.

Participants must be at least 16 years of age to start their DofE programme at Gold level. No activities can count until their 16th birthday. Participants spend a minimum of 12 months volunteering. For their Physical and Skills sections they must spend a minimum of 12 months on one and six on the other. Again, they decide which section to do for the longer time. They’ll plan, train for and complete a four-day (three-night) expedition. The biggest difference at Gold is that participants must do an additional fifth section – the Residential. This is an activity away from home for five days and four nights with people they do not already know. 

Gold DofE Award

 

If you would like to find out more about the Gold DofE Award then please get in contact with Mrs Flemington who oversees this stage of the award.