The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a nationally recognised award for young people aged 14 – 25 years. A Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is more than a ‘pat on the back’ for completing a programme of activities.
It is recognition of a young person’s successful journey of self-discovery and development, renowned by employers and universities alike for the qualities young people have who’ve achieved a DofE Award.
Its balanced programme develops the whole person – mind, body and soul, in an environment of social interaction and team working.
For more information on the DofE please follow the link http://www.dofe.org/ and find out why the DofE can make a world of difference to a young person’s life.
We provide the opportunity for our pupils to take part in DofE here at GANF. The DofE is a physical and mental adventure from the beginning to the end. You just need to be aged between 14 and 24 and it does not matter what ability you are, we will aim to get you through it, if you put the effort in. It is committing but very enjoyable and it will give you many different benefits including certification of participation at varying stages of the award.
Two of the main benefits are:
1. You will feel fulfilled and have a great sense of achievement
2. Companies like to see the DofE award on your C.V. It shows a versatile side to your character.
1
BRONZE
This award requires you to be 14 years old and do 4 sections, Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. You must do a minimum of 3 months activity for each of the Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections. You must plan and train for and complete a 2 day (1 night) expedition. One of the sections needs to have an extra three months added to one of the Volunteering, Physical or Skills sections. Please note if your child cannot participate in the expedition they will recieve a certificate of achievment.
2
SILVER
This award requires you to be 15 years old and complete 4 sections, Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. You need to do at least 6 months Volunteering and a minimum of 6 months on either Physical or Skills and 3 months on the other and also plan, train for and complete a 3 day (2 night) Expedition. If you have already completed your Bronze award, you can still do what you did in Bronze but you have to show that you have developed. If you have jumped straight into Silver award, then you will have to an extra 6 months volunteering or doing whichever of the Physical or Skills sections you have spent more time on. Please note if your child cannot participate in the expedition they will recieve a certificate of achievment.
Volunteering
All about making a difference to other people’s lives – From conservation to youth work to fundraising
Physical
To be involved with a physical activity – From hockey to dance, rock climbing to swimming, wheelchair basketball to yoga
Skills
All about developing practical and social skills and personal interests – From podcasting to playing a musical instrument, fine art to website design
Expedition
Over a number of days and nights – General ways are to walk, boat, or bike
