Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award aims to provide pupils with an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of personal development, which is of the highest quality and the widest reach. It is a personal challenge available to all, not a competition against others.

There are many benefits to pupils from involvement in the DofE including increased self-confidence, independence, a sense of responsibility, awareness of their potential, an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and the ability to lead and work as part of a team.

Completion of it is voluntary, as pupils commit some of their own time to undertake activities which they have selected.

Structure of The Award

At each level (Bronze, Silver and Gold) there are the following sections:

• Volunteering – to encourage service to individuals and to the community,
• Expedition – to encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery,
• Skills – to encourage the development of personal interests, hobbies and social and practical skills.
• Physical Recreation – to encourage participation and improvement in physical activity.
• There is an additional Residential Project as part of the Gold Award.

Expeditions, organised by the Head of Outdoor Education, are undertaken under the supervision of appropriately qualified staff, to a variety of areas including the New Forest, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Brecon Beacons, Lake District and Snowdonia. At Gold it is also possible to complete the expedition by open canoe, within expeditions on the River Ouse, Cam and River Wye.

There are many benefits to pupils from involvement in the Award including: increased self-confidence, independence, a sense of responsibility, awareness of their potential, an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, and the ability to lead and work as part of a team.

Each year, a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award presentation evening is held at the school, where pupils receive their award certificates and badges. In the case of a Gold Award, there is also the opportunity to go to one of the presentation ceremonies at St James’ Palace and receive the award from a member of the Royal Family.

Progress and Participation in the award at The Leys

All pupils start the Bronze Award in the Autumn Term of Year 9, and should be able to complete this by the start of Year 10. Pupils may also commence the Silver Award from the start of Year 10. All take part in the Bronze expedition in Year 9 and the Silver expedition towards the end of Year 10, but continuing with the Silver Award in Year 10 is entirely voluntary.