The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an internationally recognised scheme providing recognition and accreditation for a self-directed programme, working with schools and other organisations across the UK. It gives opportunities to discover new interests and talents and for a participant to develop essential skills for life and work. It is also a well recognised mark of achievement, respected by employers and universities. HRH Prince Philip himself described it as a ‘do it yourself toolkit for life’.

DofE has grown to be an integral part of the enrichment programme at Churston over the last 20 years – annually, a large proportion of our students in years 9-13 take part in the DofE award. Young people complete a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels, achieving the Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award on completion of their programme of activities, along with a successful expedition as a team.

There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. They are:

• Volunteering
• Physical
• Skill
• Expedition
• Residential (for Gold only)

More information here: https://www.dofe.org/do/sections/

DofE is an inclusive scheme, and we strive to help any student who wants to achieve an award to do so. DofE is entirely non-competitive, and based on personal challenge and development. Participants choose their own activities for their Volunteering, Skill and Physical – these can be undertaken in or out of school, but must be done outside of curriculum time. It is also possible to do expeditions externally from school, to access water journeys, or other modes of travel.

Bronze expeditions take place in our local area, learning the essential skills for navigation and campcraft through training, a practice and an assessed expedition. Silver and Gold teams enjoy the more remote challenges of journeying on Exmoor, Dartmoor and in the Cadair Idris mountains of Eryri, North Wales.

Students in receipt of Pupil Premium funding can apply to use it towards their DofE registration and expeditions. Other financial support is available for students who require it in other contexts. Many section activities are low cost or free, but of course that depends on the personal choice of the participant.

“Doing Silver DofE has helped me make new friends going into Y11, widening my social circle. Getting involved in activities outside of lessons makes me feel more a part of Churston life!”  –  Daisy Y11