Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award has been successfully administered at the School for numerous years, becoming an integral aspect of School life that mirrors our values and ethos.
The essence of the DofE Award is straightforward – individuals aged between 14 and 25 can engage in a program across three progressive levels, culminating in the attainment of a Bronze, Silver, or Gold DofE Award upon successful completion. At our School, all Year 9 students participate in the Bronze Award scheme, with Silver offered to Year 10 students and Gold in Year 12.
For each level, there are four sections that students must fulfil to achieve their full award. Under the guidance of staff, participants select objectives in each of the following areas:
- Volunteering – providing service to individuals or the community.
- Physical – enhancing proficiency in sports, dance, or fitness activities.
- Skills – cultivating practical, social, and personal interests.
- Expedition – planning, training for, and completing an adventurous journey.
Each section requests regular engagement for a specified minimum period, monitored and assessed by individuals knowledgeable in the respective activity to attain the Award. As participants progress, increased time and commitment are expected. Progress is tracked and recorded through the online platform, eDofE.
At our School, students benefit from access to a fully equipped store facility where they can borrow expedition kit, ranging from tents and rucksacks to waterproofs and water bottles. While students need to provide their own appropriate personal clothing for walking and sturdy walking boots with ankle support.
School sports and clubs contribute to the DofE Award, with regular expedition training occurring during club sessions. Bronze Award expeditions are conducted locally in May and June, Silver Award expeditions take place in Kent during June and October, and Gold Award expeditions typically occur in Dartmoor in March and Wales in July.
The Award holds significant respect nationally and internationally, enriching the experiences and skills of our students. Many further education institutes and business’s view candidates with these Awards favourably when evaluating applications. Thought students develop essential skills such as navigation, campcraft, first aid, and teamwork, the focus remains on the participants taking ownership of their Award and enjoying the process.