DofE Awards
What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a personal development programme that challenges young people to learn new skills, give back to their community, improve their physical fitness and experience adventure through expedition activities.
Participants choose activities that interest them and work towards achieving their Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.
The Award is recognised throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, helping young people develop confidence, resilience, independence and valuable life skills.
The Four Main Sections
To achieve an Award, participants complete the following sections:
Volunteering
Participants give their time to support others and make a positive contribution to their community.
Examples include:
- Helping within Boys’ Brigade or Girls’ Brigade
- Supporting church activities
- Community volunteering
- Charity work
- Youth leadership
- Volunteering role with parkrun
Physical
Participants improve their fitness through a sport, exercise programme or physical activity.
Examples include:
- Football
- Hockey
- Running
- Swimming
- Gym programmes
- Dance
- Martial arts
Skills
Participants develop a new skill or improve an existing one.
Examples include:
- Music
- Photography
- Cooking
- First Aid
- Coding
- Art
- Public speaking
Expedition
Participants plan, train for and complete an expedition as part of a team.
This section helps develop:
- Teamwork
- Navigation skills
- Problem solving
- Leadership
- Self-confidence
All participants receive appropriate training and support before undertaking expeditions.
Bronze Award
Bronze is the starting point for most participants.
Typically available from age 14, Bronze introduces young people to the Award framework and helps build confidence through a range of new experiences.
Participants complete:
- Volunteering
- Physical
- Skills
- Expedition
Silver Award
Silver builds on the experiences gained through Bronze and introduces additional challenge and commitment.
Participants complete:
- Volunteering
- Physical
- Skills
- Expedition
Direct entry to Silver may be available for those who have not completed Bronze, subject to the Award requirements.
Gold Award
Gold is the highest level of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
In addition to the four main sections, Gold participants also complete a Residential experience, spending time away from home while taking part in a shared activity with people they may not already know.
Gold is a significant achievement that demonstrates commitment, perseverance and personal growth.
Participants complete:
- Volunteering
- Physical
- Skills
- Expedition
- Residential
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re considering Bronze, Silver or Gold, Orangefield DofE can support you throughout your Award journey.
Visit our Registration page to learn more about joining the programme.