What is Duke of Edinburgh?
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award. Established 60 years ago and undertaken by millions of young people throughout the UK, the award offers three progressive levels, Bronze (offered to Years 9 and 10), Silver (will be offered in Year 11 students next year) and Gold (offered to Sixth Form students). Each award offers young people the opportunity to push their personal boundaries, develop new skills, build friendships, improve their self-confidence and enhance their CVs and University applications.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award helps participants to develop their physical, personal and community experience through a combination of activities. During the award, participants will design a programme for personal development in an area of their choice. This could be volunteering to help their local community, learning a new skill, such as learning the guitar, designing a website, practicing cooking or improving their physical fitness.
Each award culminates in an expedition in Ashdown Forest, New Forest, Brecon Beacons or Snowdonia, where participants will learn outdoor skills such as camp craft, first aid and navigation, all whilst undertaking a personal journey of discovery. Duke of Edinburgh offers a life-changing experience for students that helps to shape their future.
There are three levels of programme, which, when successfully completed lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The main differences between each level are the minimum length of time they take to complete, how challenging they are and minimum age you can start:
- Bronze timescales are as follows: 3 months volunteering, skill and physical (an extra 3 months for chosen any area), 2 day expedition and 1 night camping
- Silver timescales are as follows: 6 months volunteering, skill and physical (choice of skill or physical can be 3 months), 3 day expedition and 2 nights camping
- Gold timescales are as follows: 12 months volunteering, skill and physical (choice of skill or physical can be 6 months), 4 day expedition and 3 nights camping then a residential section consisting of a shared activity set away from home for 5 days and 4 nights.
At King’s School, students are embracing the opportunities, experiences and rewards that working towards a Duke of Edinburgh award brings. If you are a student at King’s School or a parent of a young person at King’s and would like to know more about the awards, please contact Mr Walker via admin@kingsschoolhove.org.uk
Can my CHILD take part in Duke of Edinburgh?
Students will be invited to take part in DofE when they enter Year 9. Students wishing to take part will be asked to write a letter to Mr Walker, explaining their interest in the Award, and outlining their plans to meet the Award criteria.
Is there a cost for Duke of Edinburgh?
There is a cost to take part in DofE, which is communicated annually. Families will be made aware of the financial commitment to the Award when their child signs up, and there is some support available for families on a low income. Please note, the criteria for financial support are provided by the DofE and may differ from usual school provisions.
Funds charged to take part pay for:
- Registration of students onto the Award
- The provision of necessary training for staff and students
- Costs associated with running expeditions
- The cost of purchasing and maintaining kit
Please contact Mr Walker via finance@kingsschoolhove.org.uk for more information.
Can I help with Duke of Edinburgh?
DofE is only possible with the help of staff and friends of the school, and we would be glad to receive help from any parents/carers or friends of the school. The programme will need volunteers to help with practice and assessed expeditions, and will gladly accept donations of camping, walking and orienteering equipment. If you would be willing to give your time, or have any items from the kit list which you would be happy to donate to the school, please contact Mr Walker.
FUrther information
Please click here to visit the official DofE website