The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is a nationally recognised scheme and is the single most sought after non-academic qualification with UK employers. It consists of three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold and within each level there are four component parts: Skill, Service, Physical recreation and Expeditions.
Participants in the scheme will need to show commitment and determination to organise their activities and will need to do each one for at least three months. However, with the wealth of Other Half activities on offer it may be possible to do most of the components in school.
Bronze Award
| Where: | School Grounds |
| When: | Training: First two Saturdays of Michaelmas Term (0900-1230 Expedition Planning – Michaelmas/Lent terms Expeditions: September, March and June |
| Who: | 4th Year |
| i/c: | JNC |
The Bronze level of the award usually takes about a year, but it is not time bound and can be extended for longer if needed.
Initial training takes place on the first two Saturday mornings of the Michaelmas term in the 4th year, and it is vital that participants attend both training sessions. There are three expeditions during the course of the year - one in in each of the Michaelmas, Lent and Summer terms. Participants get the opportunity to visit and walk in different parts of Britain’s stunning and varied countryside. The skills covered on expeditions will be learned in real situations and will remain useful throughout one's life.
Boys may also complete their expedition phase by kayak. Numbers for Kayaking are limited to 12.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition Dates
Dates are yet to be confirmed but normally take place around these periods:
- Bronze Training Weekend: September Activities Weekend
- Bronze Practice Expedition: March Activities Weekend
- Bronze Assessment Expedition: mid June
Silver and Gold Awards
| Where: | School Grounds |
| When: | As required: Tuesday 4.00 – 5.00 pm |
| Who: | Silver – 5th Year, Gold – Lower 6th |
| i/c: | JNC (DRM and DMH) |
The Silver and Gold levels of the award allow participants to build on the skills and abilities they have gained from the Bronze level and apply them in more challenging situations. As part of this students will undertake a longer expedition in more difficult terrain. As with the Bronze level, participants will commit to a skill, physical recreation activity and a service and will be expected to be involved for a greater period of time.
Boys who have not been registered previously in eDofE need to complete a longer period in one of the sections to qualify for the award. These boys are classed as direct entry.
Boys who have been registered previously in eDofE will not be able to record time at the higher level until they have completed at least one section at the lower level.
Expedition planning takes place during Tuesday afternoons between 4.00 and 5.00 pm when required. Boys will be called forward for these sessions as required by the staff. All sessions to which boys are instructed to attend must be attended if participants wish to complete the expeditionary section.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition Dates
Dates are yet to be confirmed but normally take place around these periods:
- Silver Practice Expedition: October half-term
- Silver Qualifying Expedition: June (directly after exams)
- Gold Practice Expedition: Easter Holiday (towards the end)
- Gold Qualifying Expedition: Late June, early July
Further information
For further information please look at the DofE web site or contact John Chapman via email john.chapman@abingdon.org.uk or telephone 07718 638503.
