Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

CHS Duke of Edinburgh Gold expedition in the Lake District, Summer 2019

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 you will have fun, make friends, improve your self-esteem and build your confidence. You gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive – all these are perfect for enhancing your CV and for including in university and job applications.

Top employers recognise the work-ready skills Award holders bring to their business.

Video: Group 7, 2021 Gold Practice

Find out more

DofE Website
DofE Practice Expedition, Yorkshire Three Peaks, Summer 2018

Sections

At Gold level, the award is split into five sections, each of which you must satisfactorily complete to gain your award. The sections are:
Volunteering: Participants choose their own volunteering commitment, such as: first aid, child care, conservation, lifesaving award, mentoring younger studnents, community sports, fundraising (including volunteering in charity shops).

Physical: The award is based on individual improvement and achievement. Participants set a measurable goal to achieve.

Skills: Participants can choose from many leisure time activities. They must show progress and perseverance while developing their skill.

Expedition: Participants plan, train for and then undertake a journey in the countryside. The qualifying expedition is undertaken in small teams, normally unaccompanied, though throughout the expedition they are supervised and assessed by adults.

Residential: At Gold level there is a fifth element, a residential project where participants undertake a 5-day shared activity in a residential setting away from home.

Timescales

At Gold level

  • Volunteering section: 12 months
    Physical and Skills sections: One section for 12 months and the other section for 6 months
    Expedition section: 4 days/3 nights
    Residential section: Undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for 5 days and 4 nights.
  • If you didn’t do Silver, you must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skills sections (taking your award to 18 months total).
Liv used her Gap Nurses placement in the Dominican Republic for her DofE Residential. Other students have used university-based summer schools, YHA volunteering placements, the Swedish Exchange and Field Studies Council opportunities for their Residential section in recent years.

If you want to know more about DofE at Crompton House Sixth Form, please e-mail Mr Mitchell (Gold Leader) or Mr Banks (School DofE Co-ordinator).