Duke Of Edinburgh
What is the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award?
A DofE programme is a real adventure from beginning to end. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from. You just need to be aged between 14 and 24 and realise there’s more to life than sitting on a sofa watching life pass you by.
You can do programmes at three levels at Bishops ; Bronze and Silver, which lead to a Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
You achieve an Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections
You'll find yourself helping people or the community, getting fitter,developing skills and going on an expedition.
But here's the best bit - you get to choose what you do!
Your programme can be full of activities and projects that get you buzzing. And along the way you’ll pick up experiences, friends and talents that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Here are the Four Sections
For Bronze one must be done for 6 months and the remaining two for 3 months. On average you must devote at least one hour per week. The expedition does not have a time frame, but you must have completed training and have a minimum amount of activity for each day of the journey. At Bishops the expeditions are on foot. All camping equipment must be carried in a rucksack over the two day period and you will be expected to navigate as a group without the direct support of an adult.
Service - helping others
Skills - developing personal interests
Physical Recreation - encouraging physical fitness and an active lifestyle
Expedition - undertaking an adventurous journey in a small team.
So, why do it?
..Fun…..New Friends…New Challenges…..Improving Existing Skills…Teamwork…..Exciting Experiences..Communication Skills…Confidence…CV…Progress File …Independence....Self Awareness…Problem Solving…Planning…New Skills….
The DofE is a non-competitive award for young people, that is highly valued by employers and higher education establishments. There are four sections entitled Expedition, Physical, Skill and Volunteering. Successful completion demonstrates that the young person is adventurous and works well in a team, wants to be fit and healthy, has interests and cares for people. You can’t fault it.
Who can do it at Bishops?
Unfortunately places are limited to 35 in year 10. Anyone who completes the Bronze award is welcome to start the Silver in year 11. We plan to meet on Thursday nights from 3.30 to 4.30, but this will not need to meet every week.
If you are interested in starting in year 10 then there is plenty of information about the types of activities that can be undertaken on the DofE website (www.dofe.org.). Please check through this to make sure that your chosen activities are suitable. Just click on a section of the award and you can do a search to find out the requirements for a certain activity. If you have no idea where to begin, then it’s also a good starting point. Please note that there are three sections you will have to sort out by yourself. 2 of these must be done regularly for 3 months and 1 for 6 months – it’s your choice. Where possible try and fit this into existing activities. For example if you already do Rugby, Piano lessons and Lifesaving, then these would count. However, it’s always great to try at least one new activity.