The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a great experience for young people. It’s a chance to develop essential life skills, discover new interests and talents, as well as having fun with your friends. Employers and universities really value the awards and the experience you gain.

What is it?

The award is made up of several sections which are completed independently by students for one hour per week for a set period of time.

Volunteering: Where young people give up their time to help others in your community

Skill: broadened your understanding and increased your expertise in your chosen skill.

Physical: Something to raise your heart rate

We train students for, and support them on two expeditions; one to hone their skills (practice expedition) and the other to assess them for the final award. Going on these expeditions is dependent on completing the other sections.

Why do it?

Achieving an Award will give you skills, confidence and an edge over others when you apply for college, university or a job. Beyond your academic achievements, universities want to see evidence of so-called ‘soft skills’ that you have developed through extra-curricular activities, such as communication, commitment, leadership and teamwork. Your DofE Award is a fantastic way to demonstrate and evidence these skills in practice.

You’ll also make a difference to other people’s lives and your community, be fitter and healthier, make new friends and have memories to last you a lifetime.

Our participants also tell us that doing their DofE gives them character traits like confidence and resilience, that can boost their mental health and wellbeing and help them face and overcome personal challenges.

What’s the cost?

At the Cotswold school we aim to keep your costs down. The current Welcome Pack, which includes the participation fee, is £26 for the Bronze Award, £26 for Silver and £33 for Gold. There is an additional cost for expeditions, but we do everything we can to make this as affordable as possible.

Inclusion

Any young person can do their DofE – regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries. We are working hard to ensure all students are able to participate and welcome any donations of kit for students to use, especially walking boots and waterproofs.

Usually the Bronze award will be offered to Year 9, Silver to Year 10, and Gold to Year 12 so that students are really able to progress and show their passion throughout school.