What is the DofE?
The DofE is an exciting programme of activities that helps young people to develop new or existing skills, help others, take part in physical activity, experience adventure and discovery and gives them a sense of achievement and responsibility.
What does it involve?
There are three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold and for each, four sections are completed, namely Volunteering, Skills, Physical and Expedition. At the Gold level there is also a Residential Section
How long does it take?
The minimum age for participation is 14 and a programme must be completed by the 25th birthday.
The minimum time requirements are expressed in months, during which there should be a regular commitment averaging at least an hour a week.
Bronze Award - 14+ years (minimum of six months commitment)
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Volunteering - 3 months
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Skills - 3 months
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Physical - 3 months
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Expedition - Plan, prepare and undertake a 2 day, 1 night venture.
All participants must undertake a further 3 months in either the Volunteering, Skills or Physical Section
Silver Award - 15+ years (minimum of 6 to 12 months commitment)
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Volunteering - 6 Months
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Skills - 3 or 6 months
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Physical - 3 or 6 months
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Expedition - Plan, prepare for and undertake a 3 day, 2 night venture
People who do not have the Bronze award must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Skills or Physical Sections.
Gold Award - 16+ years (minimum of 12 or 18 months commitment)
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Volunteering - 12 months
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Skills - 6 or 12 months
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Physical - 6 or 12 months
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Expedition - Plan, prepare for and undertake a 4 day, 3 night venture
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Residential - Undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for 5 days and 4 nights
People who do not have the Silver Award must undertake a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Skills or Physical sections.
When can I start?
You can start the Bronze Award in any month you like providing you have had your 14th birthday
Key Principles of the DofE:
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Non-competitive – its a personal challenge, not a competition
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Available to all – anyone can do it
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Voluntary – you do it in your own time
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Flexible – you choose the activities to suit you
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Balanced – the different activities will give you a wide ranging programme
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Progressive – the different levels allow you to improve
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Achievement focused – you set your own goals to succeed
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Marathon not a sprint – it takes more than a short burst of enthusiasm
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Personal development – it’s the taking part that matters: getting an award is the icing on the cake
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Enjoyable – it’s about getting out there and having fun!!