The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) has been an integral part of British life for seven decades. It is the world’s leading youth development programme which over 545,000 young people participate in annually.
At ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ we are proud to offer our students the opportunity to undertake the Bronze Level Award during Year 10. Participating in the DofE is an invaluable experience and opportunity, helping to build resilience, self-belief, and giving young people the chance to prove to themselves what they are capable of. It is both rewarding and fulfilling; however, it is also a commitment, requiring dedication, drive and determination in order to achieve and succeed.
The benefits of undertaking the DofE go beyond what students will learn about themselves and their own potential. Employers, colleges and universities also recognise the skills and personal attributes integral for life and work that are developed by individuals through their participation in DofE.
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The Award and What is involved
The Bronze Level Award focuses on four different elements:
1. Physical
2. Skills
3. Volunteering
4. Expedition
After registering for DofE in Year 9 Summer term, participants design their own personal programme of challenging activities with the aim of them developing new skills and confidence, helping the local community and giving them a greater appreciation of the world.
Each of the four elements must be undertaken for a minimum period of time and must be monitored and then assessed upon completion by an independent individual who has knowledge of that particular activity. For the Physical, Skills and Volunteering sections, each must be undertaken for at least 3 months, with one out of the three being undertaken for at least 6 months.
Below there are links to the DofE website and also useful resources relating to each section which provide a variety of ideas and inspiration to participants for various activities to undertake and charities and organisations to support.
We ensure that our students are well prepared for their DofE expedition by holding a training day at the school during the Spring term of Year 10, followed by a training expedition weekend ahead of the assessed final expedition in the Summer term. Attendance at both expedition weekends is mandatory. The expedition, which involves sleeping under canvas, develops skills in teamwork, time management and leadership with students planning their hiking routes and meals for the weekend in their expedition groups. A Parents’ Information Evening, run by BXM Expeditions (who lead and assess our expeditions) and our DofE Leads, Mrs Parsons and Mrs Salisbury, takes place in the Year 10 Autumn term for parents/carers and students to attend. We also provide a kit list (please see link below under Duke of Edinburgh Resources) and BXM provide tents and cooking equipment for students to use during the expedition weekends. Please see all of the key dates below.
Cost
The cost for undertaking the DofE is approximately £260 (this may be subject to slight change) per student.
Duke of Edinburgh Leads at ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥
Our Duke of Edinburgh Leads are: Mrs E Parsons and Mrs E Salisbury
They guide, support and encourage participants throughout their DofE experience, including regular checking in, updates and sharing of resources via the School’s DofE Group on Teams.
If you have any questions about the DofE at ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥, please contact our Leads by email at: duke@reigate-school.surrey.sch.uk
Duke of Edinburgh Award Resources
DofE Kit List
How to Complete the Three Sections of your DofE
Volunteering Section
DofE resource page for Volunteering: , including
Physical Section
DofE resource page for Physical: , including Physical ideas for participants:
Skills Section
DofE resource page for Skills: , including Skills ideas sheet for participants: