The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, also known as the DofE, is a youth achievement award that promotes personal development through participation in volunteering, physical activities, skills development, and adventurous journeying. Since its launch in 1956, millions of young people globally have taken part, gaining valuable experiences that equip them with skills and confidence for life. The DofE is open to all young people aged 14-24, regardless of background or ability. There are three progressive levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold - which when completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Participants set their activities and goals for each section, which their DofE Leader approves.
The DofE is comprised of four sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. Participants must complete a minimum period for each level, throughout which they will set goals, regularly participate in their chosen activities and provide evidence of their progress. An adventurous team expedition is also required at each level. The award programme is flexible and designed to work around schedules, with most activities taking place in participants' free time. Completing their DofE gives young people recognised credentials to include on university applications and CVs. Participation demonstrates a commitment to self-improvement and developing skills sought after by employers. Around 300 universities and colleges in the UK recognise the Gold DofE as part of their UCAS tariff. Overall, the award provides an invaluable opportunity for young people to build confidence, resilience, skills for work and friendships.
As previously outlined, the award is comprised of four sections - Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. Here is a more detailed look at each area:
The adventurous Expedition section involves planning, training for and completing a journey with an agreed purpose. Teamwork, use of maps and navigation skills are developed through the experience. Expeditions can be done by foot, cycle, horseback, or boat - as long as the purpose involves journeying in the outdoors. Participants first complete practice journeys to build skills and fitness. These help prepare for the final assessed expedition which must be accomplished without direct adult supervision. Expeditions can take place in the UK or abroad. The team size is between 4 to 7 participants. Training and planning take place over months before final expeditions. This develops teamwork as participants need to cooperate on the route, kit and camp arrangements.
All expeditions include:
For each level, participants must complete:
Bronze: 2 days + 1 night expedition
Silver: 3 days + 2 nights expedition
Gold: 4 days + 3 nights expedition
As this is the introductory level, expeditions should be accessible and relatively straightforward for participants undergoing training. Recommended expedition locations for Bronze DofE include:
With their expedition skills improved from completing their Bronze journey, teams can take on more challenging routes and terrains for their Silver DofE. Recommended destinations include:
At the Gold level, overseas expeditions are encouraged to provide even greater challenges. But for UK-based expeditions, here are some of the most challenging yet incredible locations to consider:
There are many ways DofE participants can volunteer locally:
To complete the Volunteering section, participants must dedicate a set number of hours depending on their DofE level. Participants should aim to volunteer an average of 1 hour per week over the period, though hours can be arranged flexibly to fit around other commitments. Keeping an accurate log of hours and gaining supervisor sign-off is important. In total, consistency and making a regular contribution is emphasised over the duration. The minimum time for each level are:
Research local causes and opportunities that interest you and fit your schedule.
Contact the organisation and go through their application process.
Arrange your schedule of sessions across the period for your DofE level.
Use any training provided to maximise the impact you have through volunteering.
Log your hours and get supervisor approval.
Complete a reflective report on your experiences and achievements.
There are numerous exciting physical activities to choose from for the DofE Physical section:
Dedication and persistence over sustained timespans are central to the Physical section. Participants should aim to average at least 1 hour per week across the period. This can be split into shorter sessions of a minimum of 30 minutes to fit around other commitments if needed. The key is consistency of effort over the full duration. For instructor-led activities like team practices, dance classes and gym sessions, the time involved counts automatically. For independent sports and exercise, participants must personally track and log each session. Completing the entire timeframe at each level demonstrates admirable commitment as motivation naturally fluctuates. Participants prove they can push through when progress stalls. Their fitness, skills and self-discipline grow measurably over the months. The duration requirements ensure persistent effort leads to genuine development. The minimum durations for the Physical Section at each level are:
Bronze: 3 months
Silver: 6 months
Gold: 12 months
To complete the Physical section, participants should begin by selecting activities they will enjoy and that fit their abilities. Joining local sports teams, classes and groups provides structured opportunities. Make a schedule for the full duration required at your DofE level, booking specific sessions. Set fitness and skill development goals to provide direction - these could relate to speed, strength, technique or challenge events. Maintain motivation by tracking progress in a training log or app and reviewing achievements. Adapt your plan when needed, focusing on overall consistency across the timeframe. Participate safely with warm-ups, correct gear and gradual building of intensity. The supervised nature of many activities provides support. Stay disciplined through self-directed sessions to log the hours required. Allow time for rest and recovery to prevent burnout. Finally, reflect on the physical and mental gains made through your dedicated participation over the months. Completing the physical section develops health and self-belief.
The Skills section enables participants to expand their capabilities and knowledge through committing to regular practice and development of a chosen skill over an extended period of time. Almost any skill can be selected, providing it offers a new learning experience for participants. From creative pursuits like music and arts to performance skills and digital abilities, tangibly improving and demonstrating progress is central to meeting this section’s requirements. Self directed learning of skills with online courses, books and video tutorials can also work well. Blending some group participation for feedback with personal practice ensures coverage of the hours required. Many skills can be developed through joining local groups and classes including:
Performing arts - music lessons, dance classes, drama circles
Arts, crafts and creative hobbies - textiles, pottery, creative writing
Life skills - cooking, vehicle maintenance, DIY
Digital skills - coding, animation, website development
The minimum time requirements for the Skills Section are:
Bronze: 3 months
Silver: 6 months
Gold: 12 months
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