The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a challenging programme of activities aimed at those aged 14 and over, all of which will support students to learn new skills, help others, and experience adventure- giving them a great sense of achievement. It is also highly valued on personal statements and CVs.
The programme entails completion of four sections- Volunteering, Skill, Physical, and the Expedition. A large number of participants find they are able to use their existing activities outside of school for the first three sections. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition- it’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries in order to develop your own skills, resilience and character. Activities for each of the Volunteering, Skill and Physical sections require commitment, but they can be fitted in around academic study, hobbies and social lives.
Ideas for the Skill, Volunteering, and Physical sections can be found at https://www.dofe.org/do/ideas/. These will be discussed in more depth with our Award participants once they are registered.
The school supports the participants through the programme with regular updates, training, and comprehensive preparation for the expedition. We also provide some of the equipment for the expedition, including maps, compasses, cooking stoves, and tents.
Lots of general information about the award can be found at https://www.dofe.org/do/ including examples of activities, interviews with award participants and their parents, and many frequently asked questions. If you have questions specific to how the award is run here at Sion, contact Mr Heyward, or perhaps even better, talk to someone who is currently taking part.
