Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE)
What is the DofE Award?
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an internationally recognised award which is designed to encourage young people to gain confidence in a range of different disciplines. It encourages students to participate in a range of activities outside of their comfort zone including; volunteering in the wider community, learning and progressing in new skills and undertaking a hiking/ camping expedition in nature.
What are the benefits?
Through giving back to the community, improving themselves, taking responsibility for their own progress throughout the award and experiencing new settings, students will develop confidence and independence in a wide range of activities. The award has allowed students to identify their strengths and discover their potential in line with our school’s FLAME values.
As well as contributing to the overall development of the young person, the DofE award can help to equip students for college, university and job applications by broadening the range of experiences which they can discuss and demonstrating that students are independent and willing to face challenges head on.
Who can participate?
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is open to all students at St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy, there are no entry requirements although a child may be denied the opportunity to participate if we have significant behaviour concerns.
Our students can start to complete their awards in the following years:
Year 9 – Bronze
Year 10 – Silver
Year 12 – Gold
What do students need to do achieve their DofE Certificate?
Students need to spend time completing and gathering evidence for the following sections:
Skills: Developing a new skill or improving an existing skill
Physical: Dedicating time to improving in an individual or a team sport
Volunteering: Giving up time to help others within the wider community
Expedition: Taking part in a multi-day hike including a camp
Residential (Gold Only): Arranging an adventurous residential trip with peers
The amount of time which students need to spend on each section varies depending on the level of the award. Further details are given to students when they apply.
How much does it cost and how is value for money ensured for their child?
Prices vary depending on the level of certificate. At the beginning of the appropriate year your child will be given a letter to take home confirming the payment amount for this year.
Payments are spread over the course of the year to ensure that it the experience is as affordable as possible and offer to as many students as we can.
We use Simonside Outdoor Activity Centre to deliver the expedition element of the award. They include hiring of all camping and hiking equipment as part of their price which reduces the overall cost of the trip.
Who do I contact regarding any queries I have with the DofE programme once my child is enrolled?
For any queries regarding existing Duke of Edinburgh participants please email trips@stjosephs.uk.net