The Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh programme is hugely valued at King Edward's, and plays a big part in the co-curricular programme. Taking part in the DofE Award develops essential life skills, builds confidence and provides opportunity to work with others across a range of situations. We actively encourage pupils to engage with the scheme, to stretch and challenge themselves in ways that help them develop personal qualities that service them so well in life.
The DofE programme is comprised of three levels – bronze, silver and gold. Each level includes a volunteering, physical, and skills section which students participate in regularly over a period linked to the level of the award. School clubs and societies help students by recording their achievements towards the DofE by recognising what they already participate in and also provide the opportunity to record participation in something new. Every level of the award also has an expedition section. We offer expeditions in a range of regions utilising the local New Forest at bronze. Then developing skills in regions including Dartmoor, Brecon Beacons, the Lake District, and Elan Valley for silver and gold. We have a free to loan equipment store for expeditions, so alongside your own walking boots, we can equip you with the best quality outdoor gear.
We have specialist staff in the Duke of Edinburgh department who deliver training for the expedition section of each level and support students’ progress across all sections of the award.
Bronze Award
We offer enrolment from the end of Year 8 to start DofE club in Year 9. Bronze DofE participation is currently the most popular co-curricular club in the school.
Silver Award
When students are 15, they can enrol onto Silver. For many this is a desired progression after the introduction and their achievements at bronze level.
Gold Award
This is the highest and most prestigious level of the award for students aged 16 and over. In addition to the sections of other levels there is a residential section. Residential is about challenging yourself and embracing new experiences alongside new people for five days. Students may choose to volunteer at a summer camp, participate in a conservation project, undertake a specialist course, or pursue another enriching opportunity.
Students taking part in DofE share with us they have developed their resilience, achieved personal goals, made and deepened friendships and taken pride in their new skills.
