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The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award Scheme

The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award Scheme is a programme of personal development activities designed for all young people between the ages of 14 and 25. Open to everyone, irrespective of background, it allows every participant to challenge themselves and to define their character.

With guidance from our dedicated staff, pupils follow their chosen activities and report on progress via an electronic record. For each section, minimum standards of achievement are laid down and, only when these are met, do participants qualify for an Award – Bronze, Silver and ultimately Gold itself.

In gaining awards, pupils learn by experience the importance of self-discipline, organisation, enterprise and effort. They come to know the enjoyment of working with and for other people. Each of the levels of Award consists of four sections: Volunteering, Skills, Physical and Expedition; Gold also requires a week long residential course.

Volunteering projects include helping with the conservation work of the Hertfordshire Wildlife Trust, set-building in the school theatre, and providing support in the library and in the school Archives Department. Skills range from musical instrument examinations, LAMDA examinations, cookery, dance, learning to drive and creative writing.

Physical tends to be school sport, but can also include personal sports played away from school.

Of course, for many, the expedition is the highlight of each stage of the Award. Expeditions are carried out in the Peak District and the Lake District, with pupils taking part in Field Weekends to gain experience during term time and the actual expeditions in the school holidays.