Duke of Edinburgh's Award

What is Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the nationally and internationally recognised award favoured by employers and universities alike. Over time, we build confidence, dedication and commitment, attributes we all want to see in our young people in school, life and in the workplace.

Getting in touch with nature and experiencing the great outdoors is one way to improve your mental health and wellbeing and with our focus of building a bright future for young people, we offer all levels of Duke of Edinburgh Award at the school.

We support students at all stages of the programme.  During autumn term we focus on volunteering, physical and skills sections. There are opportunities at school to complete these sections with the wide range of activities advertised on tutor announcements.

Expedition training usually starts in January with a range of outdoor activities such as walking and orienteering.  After school route planning sessions also take place from January.

At Bronze there are expedition preparation sessions for navigation, cookery, first aid and all elements of camp craft needed for your expedition.  At silver and gold levels you will complete a practice and assessed expedition on the mainland.  We have planned expeditions in the New Forrest, Purbecks, Exmoor and  Ashdown Forest. 

We also enrol some Gold students on the D of E Young Leaders programme which is a really exciting opportunity for students to work with the D of E staff and take a leading role in mentoring Bronze and Silver students.  Our Young Leaders this year have supported with navigation, menu plans and campcraft skills.   They are also going to attend some of the expeditions to coach students and ensure they achieve their awards.

We have a really experienced and enthusiastic team of staff who help run the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.  If you want more information please see Mr Brown who is the school’s Duke of Edinburgh Manager.