DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDS
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OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a nationally recognised programme that challenges young people to develop new skills, volunteer in their community, and build their resilience. It is an excellent way to stand out when applying for college, university, or a job, and encourages students to step outside of their comfort zones and discover new talents.
CONTENT AND ASSESSMENT
The award is split into four sections (or five if undertaken at the top, Gold, level), each requiring a regular commitment over a set period of time.
1. Volunteering This section is all about making a positive impact in your community. You must commit to a service activity for a minimum of one hour a week. This could involve anything from helping out at a local charity shop or sports club to assisting with school events or leading a youth group. The goal is to develop a sense of responsibility and understand the value of contributing to society.
2. Physical The physical section is a great opportunity to improve your fitness and well-being. The activity you choose must be physically demanding and show sustained effort and improvement over time. You could take up a new sport, join a dance class, or even start a fitness regime like running or swimming. The focus is on setting a personal goal and demonstrating your dedication to achieving it.
3. Skills This section allows you to explore a new hobby or develop an existing talent. Whether it’s learning to play a musical instrument, mastering a new cooking technique, or becoming a proficient coder, the skills section is about broadening your abilities and increasing your self-confidence. The key is to show a progression of your skill over the required time period.
4. Expedition This is often considered the most memorable part of the award. It requires you to plan, train for, and complete an adventurous journey as part of a small team. You will learn essential skills like navigation, campcraft, and first aid. The expedition itself involves carrying all your own equipment, navigating a route you have planned, and being self-sufficient in the outdoors. It’s a true test of teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience. At the Bronze level, this is a two-day, one-night trip, with a practice expedition prior to the final assessed journey.
5. Residential (Gold Award only) This is a required section for those undertaking the Gold Award. It involves staying away from home for five days and four nights on a shared activity with people you don’t know. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and experience something completely different, from a residential language course to a conservation project or a youth camp.
All of the sections require signing off as complete by an appropriately qualified assessor.