At Watling Academy…
What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an outstanding opportunity to develop life-enhancing skills.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a nationally run scheme that aims to develop the self-confidence and life skills of young people. It is the world’s leading youth achievement award and provides 14 to 24 year olds the opportunity to be the very best they can be.
When selected to partake in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, students will face a number of challenges all of which are specifically designed to hone and enhance their leadership and survival skills. There are three specific awards and these are – Bronze, Silver and Gold. As the courses progress, the levels of challenge and expertise also change – as does the minimum age at which students can enrol.
Students are at the very heart of these courses and are are expected to create their own DofE programmes by choosing volunteering, physical and skills activities; going on an expedition and, for their gold only, taking part in a residential activity.
For more information see https://www.dofe.org
Participants have the chance to:
- Discover new skills, interests and talents
- Push personal boundaries
- Meet new people and make new friends
- Take part in an amazing experience
- Gain an incredible sense of achievement (especially when completing the expedition!)
- Develop a wide range of attributes: self-confidence, self-reliance, leadership, teamwork, problem solving, decision making, communication, commitment and perseverance – to name just a few!
Because holding a Duke of Edinburgh Award illustrates that those who have undertaken the course(s) successfully are committed and dedicated, it is unsurprising that the award is very well thought of by employers, colleges and universities.
