The Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) award is a nationally and internationally recognised award which is designed to give students the opportunity to gain skills outside the classroom, build resilience and increase their confidence through teamwork, leadership, and having new experiences.

At Abbeyfield School we offer all 3 levels of the DofE award: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each award comprises of four sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. The Gold Award also includes a fifth ‘Residential’ section. For the Volunteering, Physical and Skills section students must spend a minimum of 1 hour per week doing an activity of their choice which must then be signed off by a chosen 'assessor'. The length of time spent completing each section will change depending on the level of award. The Expedition section generally takes place at the end of the academic year and will involve students planning, training for and completing a hike and camp. The length of the expedition will increase depending on the level of the award.

The ‘Bronze’ award is offered to students in year 9. To successfully complete the award, students must complete their Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition sections.  

The ‘Silver’ award is offered to students in year 10. Students can start the ‘Silver’ award after completing the ‘Bronze’ or as a ‘Direct entrant’. To successfully complete the award, students must complete their Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition sections. If students opt to join the award as a ‘Direct entrant’ then the length of the volunteering section increases to reflect not completing the ‘Bronze’ award.

The ’Gold’ award is offered to students in years 11, 12 and 13 (aged 16+). The ‘Gold’ award is the highest level of DofE and is an award that colleges, universities, and future employers hold in the highest regard. On completion of the award students will be invited to celebrate at Buckingham Palace Gardens where they will have the opportunity to meet a range of individuals which often include members of the royal family, celebrities, and successful previous recipients of the award. Students can start the ‘Gold’ award after completing the ‘Silver’ or as a ‘Direct entrant’. To successfully complete the award students must complete their Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Residential and Expedition sections. If students opt to join the award as a ‘Direct entrant’ then the length of the volunteering section increases to reflect not completing the ‘Bronze’ award.

If you have any questions about the award or are interested in your child taking part, then please get in contact.

Mr Roach

matthew.roach@abbeyfieldschool.org.uk 

DofE Manager