Duke of Edinburgh Award

What is the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a personal development program for young people aged 14 to 24. It helps students build skills in teamwork, leadership and self-reliance, while taking on new challenges, helping others and staying active.

Achieving a DofE Award is a valuable experience that builds confidence and independence. It’s also a great addition to college, university, and job applications. Plus, it’s fun!

DofE at Whatley

All Year 9 students at Whatley take part in the Bronze Award during Enrichment sessions. In the Autumn and Spring terms, they complete the physical, skills, and volunteering sections, earning a certificate for each. In the Summer term, they train and prepare for their expedition, which takes place at the end of the term.

Year 10 students at Whatley work towards their Silver Award during specific DofE sessions, building on the progress made at Bronze level. They dedicate additional time to developing their physical skills, personal interests, and volunteering efforts. As the year progresses, they also take part in expedition training, preparing for their final expedition at the end of the Summer term.

Why do the DofE?

The DofE helps students grow into confident, well-rounded individuals. Through the program, students develop:

• Self-belief and responsibility
• A sense of identity and new talents
• Time management and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and teamwork abilities
• Stronger communication and social skills

Supporting your child in their DofE journey means investing in their future. It’s a challenge, but one that builds lifelong skills and unforgettable experiences.