WHAT IS THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), is the world’s leading youth achievement Award and equips young people for life in over 140 countries and territories across the globe.

The Award is available to all young people aged 14‐24. Doing the Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others; it pushes young people to their personal limits and recognises their achievements consistently. The Award encourages young people to design their own programme of activities, set their own goals and challenge themselves to achieve their aims.

Since its launch 60 years ago, the Award has inspired millions of young people to transform their lives. Whether a student is working towards their Bronze, Silver or Gold Award, they are undoubtedly going to gain skills, experiences and friendships to last them a lifetime.

The Award teaches students valuable learner skills that include independent thought, problem-solving, teamwork and leadership skills. Personally, it helps students to learn how to become self-sufficient, build resilience, and teaches them the value of commitment as they undertake a sport, skill and service project. As a result, the Award is highly regarded by university admissions teams all over the world, giving participants a competitive edge – no matter what undergraduate degree they are applying for.

In addition, there are many additional benefits of ‘getting outdoors’ through the ‘Adventurous Journey’ section of the Award. As well as being great for students’ physical health, these expeditions help build self esteem, resilience, and a range of practical life skills.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD?

The Award is open to young people ages 14 to 24. There are three levels :

• Bronze: 6 months minimum participation.
• Silver: 12 months minimum participation.
• Gold: 18 months minimum participation.

Participants complete all four sections at each level in order to achieve their Award.

SERVICE The Award encourages young people to spend time volunteering in their community, which both benefits others and contributes to their own growth and well-being.

PHYSICAL RECREATION Physical Recreation encourages healthy behavior not only for Participants, but also for their communities, via improved health, or active participation in team activities. This section specifically aims to impacts the health, team skills, self-esteem and confidence of participants.

SKILLS Participants can choose to improve on an existing skill or try something completely new, as they develop personal interests and enhance their practical and social skills.

ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY The Adventurous Journey sparks exploration and drives a sense of adventure, as small teams plan, train and undertake a journey through an unfamiliar environment.