Duke of Edinburgh's Award

What is Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the nationally and internationally recognised award favoured by employers and universities alike. Over time, we build confidence, dedication and commitment, attributes we all want to see in our young people in school, life and in the workplace.

Getting in touch with nature and experiencing the great outdoors is one way to improve your mental health and wellbeing and with our focus of building a bright future for young people, we offer all levels of Duke of Edinburgh Award at the school.

We support students at all stages of the programme. During autumn term we focus on volunteering, physical and skills sections. There are opportunities at school to complete these sections with the wide range of activities advertised on tutor announcements.

Expedition training usually starts in January with a range of outdoor activities such as walking and orienteering. After school route planning sessions also take place from January.

At Bronze there are expedition preparation sessions for navigation, cookery, first aid and all elements of camp craft needed for your expedition. At silver and gold levels you will complete a practice and assessed expedition on the mainland. We have planned expeditions in the New Forrest, Purbecks, Exmoor and Ashdown Forest.

We also enrol some Gold students on the D of E Young Leaders programme which is a really exciting opportunity for students to work with the D of E staff and take a leading role in mentoring Bronze and Silver students. Our Young Leaders this year have supported with navigation, menu plans and campcraft skills. They are also going to attend some of the expeditions to coach students and ensure they achieve their awards.

We have a really experienced and enthusiastic team of staff who help run the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. If you want more information please see Mr Brown who is the school’s Duke of Edinburgh Manager.

How do I sign up?

If you are interested in the Duke of Edinburgh award at bronze, silver or gold please email the contact listed below.

We will send the enrolment forms and consent forms that need to be returned by email.

What if I don’t have any ideas for my skill, physical or voluteering section?

We have some skill courses at school and some sport clubs too so keep an eye on the tutor announcements for this information. We can help with volunteering opportunities so please email us if you need some ideas.

I want to sign up but don’t have an expedition group.

This is not a problem and we can sort expedition groups out in Janaury.

If you have any questions or queries about Duke of Edinburgh’s Award then please contact:

Mr Brown: [email protected]