Students begin their participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Bronze Award programme in Year 9. Students will work in groups to plan and organise a walking expedition to a campsite, stay the night and return the next day. They learn safety and first aid, map reading and how to prepare and pack for an overnight walking expedition.
What is it?
A life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement, respected by employers. The DofE programme is many things to many people, supporting generations to successfully navigate adult life.
There are four sections to complete at Bronze level. They involve helping the community/environment; becoming fitter; developing new skills; planning, training for and completing an expedition.
Any young person can do their DofE – regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.
Through a DofE programme young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, all of which will enhance CVs and university or job applications. Top employers recognise the work-ready skills which Award holders bring to their business.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a registered charity, funded by donations, participation fees and licences. The charity licenses organisations (such as schools, colleges, youth groups and clubs that work with young people) to run DofE programmes. Through the Licensed Organisation (LO) young people (or their parents/carers) pay for a Participation Place and are supported through their programmes by Leaders who help them to choose their activities, set their objectives and achieve their Award.
Why do it?
For the hundreds of thousands of young people who take part each year, the benefits of achieving a DofE Award at any level are endless. DofE is about helping you along the path to a productive and prosperous future. As many of our participants say, it’s life-changing.
Achieving an Award will give you skills, confidence and an edge over others when you apply for college, university or a job. Beyond your academic achievements, universities want to see evidence of so called ‘soft skills’ that you have developed through extra-curricular activities, such as communication, commitment, leadership and teamwork. Your DofE Award is a fantastic way to demonstrate and evidence these skills in practice.
You’ll also make a difference to other people’s lives and your community; be fitter and healthier; make new friends; and have memories to last you a lifetime. Our participants also tell us that doing their DofE builds their confidence and resilience, which boosts their mental health and wellbeing and helps them overcome personal challenges.
How much will it cost?
The total cost per student is £139
This included the following:
- An externally run training day in school
- 2 day and 1 night expedition
- Return transport to start / end location
- Any kit you need to borrow (tent, rucksack, roll mat, sleeping bag, stove and gas, maps, compass)
- Welcome pack and course participation fee
Everyone receives a DofE Card to get discounts on things like kit and expeditions which don’t need to be expensive. For further information please visit the DofE website or email Amy Logan amy.logan@trumpingtoncc.org.uk.