Duke of Edinburgh's Award

About the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a youth development programme designed to empower young people aged 14 to 24 through a series of challenges. Founded in 1956 by HRH Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the award focuses on personal growth, resilience and leadership.

Recognised by universities and employers, the DofE helps young people build confidence, teamwork and life skills. The award is available at three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, with increasing levels of commitment. At Gold level, participants also complete an additional Residential challenge.

For the award, participants complete activities in four sections:

Volunteering - Helping the community or environment
Physical - Improving fitness and wellbeing
Skills - Developing new talents or hobbies
Expedition - Planning and undertaking an adventurous journey

To find out more visit: www.dofe.org

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at St Gregory’s

At St Gregory’s, we are proud to run the Bronze, Silver and the Gold level of the DofE Award and these are available to students from Year 9 and onwards. A team of staff from across the school support students to accomplish the Volunteering, Physical and the Skills aspects of the Award, providing guidance and advice, and assisting students with finding volunteering opportunities.

St Gregory’s also work in collaboration with the DofE provider ‘Bright Expeditions’ who assist our staff with running our expeditions as qualified assessors. Their expertise and guidance provide valuable support for students whilst they are undertaking the expedition stage of the challenge.

The DofE programme:

Teaches young people to cultivate discipline and perseverance, developing their individual skills and attributes;
Promotes physical, mental and spiritual growth, allowing students to develop their gifts and talents;
Fosters a sense of responsibility through expeditions and teamwork, teaching students to care for the environment and use resources wisely;
Encourages young people to serve their communities through charity/voluntary work, environmental initiatives, or by helping those in need;
Shows young people how to overcome difficulties, developing the resilience, integrity, and leadership skills which will serve well them well in adult life.

How to sign up

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered to students in Year 9 and upwards as follows:

Year 9: Bronze Award

Year 10: Silver Award

Year 12: Gold Award

For each of these year groups, the process begins in the Autumn term when information, which explains how to sign-up, is sent out to students and parents.

If you would like further information about DofE, please contact the St Gregory’s DofE leaders, Miss Lavender rlavender@sgschool.org.uk or Mrs Eves-Dann seves-dann@sgschool.org.uk