Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme is the world’s leading youth achievement award, giving millions of 14 to 24-year-olds the opportunity to be the very best they can be.

The programmes take between one and four years to complete, and they must be completed by the participant's twenty-fifth birthday. The programmes are at three progressive levels which, if successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Year 10 and Year 12 Programme

The Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award is available at Highcrest for students in Year 10 and Year 12.
Parents/Carers of pupils in Year 10 will be invited to attend an information evening in September, with the opportunity to sign up commencing after the event.  Students will begin working towards the award in the autumn term, in which they will complete activity sessions to prepare them for the necessary survival and life skills. The expedition will begin in the Summer term and will include activities such as, map reading, route planning and camping skills.

With assistance from adult Leaders, participants will select and set objectives in each of the following areas:

• Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community.
• Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities.
• Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests.
• Expedition: planning, training for, and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad.

To achieve an award, participants will need to work on each section for a minimum period of time, with their progress monitored and assessed by someone with knowledge of the chosen activities. Each progressive level demands more time and commitment from participants with the Silver award needing between 6–9 months. Participants are required to show regular activity and commitment to the award for the duration of their DofE Programme, which is usually at least one hour per week.

Subsidies/grants are available to pupil premium pupils.

Additional information can be found on the official website www.dofe.org . Alternatively, if you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Platten at: plattenr@highcrestacademy.org.uk or Mr Townsend at: ntownsend@highcrestacademy.org.uk