The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Scheme was founded in 1956 by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. His aim was to give the young people of the time a challenge to go out and experience different physical activities, meeting people and making new friends, become more self-sufficient, to help others and develop new skills. These are still very much relevant today.

The DofE Award, as it is more popularly known today, is open to all Priory Academy LSST students from the age of 14. There are three Award levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold. Within each level there are four sections, although at Gold level the scheme includes a fifth “residential" element.  The sections are; Physical, Skills, Volunteering, and an Expedition. Self-development plays a key part of the award. As students’ progress through the levels, the time element within sections becomes longer, culminating in the Gold Award, which is 12 months (18 months for direct entry) with an 80km expedition in Wild Country over four days. Although the award is available to anyone between the ages of 14 and 25, it is the aim of the academy that DofE Awards are completed within the time frame of Years 9 to 13. There are ten “Guiding Principles” which are at the heart of the Scheme and drive the programmes.

Guiding Principles

• The DofE Award is non-competitive.
• The DofE Award should be achievable by all.
• It is voluntary.
• The DofE Award should inspire personal and social development.
• The DofE Award is personalised to fit the needs of the individual participant.
• The participant should complete a balanced and wide-ranging programme.
• The DofE Award is progressive through its levels in terms of time, commitment and responsibility from the student.
• Before starting an activity the participants are encouraged to set their own challenging goals; the aim being that if they achieve these and show improvement they will achieve the DofE Award.
• The DofE Award programme demands a high commitment and level of perseverance.
• The participant should find the activities both enjoyable and rewarding.

More information can be found by looking at www.dofe.org

DofE Application Process:

Year 9 – Bronze Award  

Students wishing to apply for the Bronze Award must complete a handwritten application. Applications will be reviewed, and results will be sent directly to the candidate’s home address.

The estimated cost of the Bronze Award is £300, which covers all training sessions, expeditions, and loan equipment. Participants will be expected to attend six Saturday training days and take part in two two-day expeditions—a practice and a qualifying expedition. In addition, students must complete their individual section commitments over a period of three to six months. 

 

Year 10 – Silver Award 

As with the Bronze Award, applications will be reviewed and results sent to the candidate’s home address. There are 24 places available for the Silver Award. Direct applicants will be considered on merit, and a reserve list will be maintained, though placement from this list is not guaranteed. 

The estimated cost of the Silver Award is £350, which includes all training, expeditions, and loan equipment. Candidates must commit to six Saturday training days and two three-day expeditions (practice and qualifier). They will also need to complete their individual section commitments over a period of six to twelve months.

 

Year 12 – Gold Award 

The estimated cost of the Gold Award is £450, which includes all training, expeditions, and loan equipment. Participants must attend six Saturday training days, complete two four-day expeditions (practice and qualifier), and take part in a one-week residential course. Additionally, they must fulfil their individual section commitments over a period of twelve to eighteen months. 

Gold 2018 Expedition Video

If you have any questions please contact Mr N Day on LSSTDofE@prioryacademies.co.uk