School values: Teamwork, Confidence, Resilience 

Please find an overview of the programme below.

What is The Duke of Edinburgh Award? 

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, also known as DofE, is non-competitive activity open to all young people – it's about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries. There are three levels of DofE programme which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. 

Through DofE, students will make friends and memories and build traits like confidence, resilience and self-esteem, which can benefit mental health. They’ll gain skills and attributes for work and life, like problem-solving, team-working and self-motivation – and they’ll achieve an Award that’s recognised by top employers and can help them stand out when applying for university or jobs. 

To achieve their Award, participants must complete four sections: Skills, Volunteering, Physical and their Expedition. Every young person’s DofE programme is personal to them – they can choose what they’d like to do for their Skills, Volunteering and Physical sections, and most activities can count. We will provide guidance and support, and students can either choose to continue an activity they already do or discover something completely new. 

Activities for each section must take a minimum of one hour a week over a set period of time, so they can fit around studying, hobbies and social lives. For more details about programmes and timescales visit DofE.org/do. 

The Awards build upon each level requiring students to trek for longer and over more difficult terrain as well as make a longer commitment to each of their volunteering, physical and skill activities. We work closely with the DofE Team at Beverley Grammar School so that our Applicants can complete training sessions, expeditions and presentations together. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN7wTcxK408 

The Expedition 

The Expedition section involves your child working as part of a small team to plan their expedition’s aim, choose a location and do some training to make sure they're fully prepared – before spending three days and two nights in the countryside. 

They will take part in a practice expedition covering basic expedition principles and introducing them to expedition equipment. Then they will complete a final assessed expedition which will test their knowledge in navigation, the use of a compass, first aid, pitching and striking tents, camp cooking, and expedition nutrition. 

‘DofE Expedition Requirements’ https://www.dofe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Expedition-Aim-and-Requirements-1.pdf 

There will also be a number of training sessions taking place at either lunch time or after school, once a week, in which your child and their group will plan their route and prepare. Participants will only be able to complete their expedition if they attend all the organised training. 

Please ensure you and your child are free on the expedition dates prior to signing up for the DofE award scheme; as these are compulsory components of the award. However, please be aware that in extreme circumstances, the dates are subject to change. A rough outline of the School’s expeditions can be seen below: 

Bronze Practice Expedition 

Usually takes place in June. A total of 2 days, 1 night, with 6 hours of planned activity each day. Based around Beverley, for example starting at Walkington Playing Fields, camping at Raywell Park Scout Activity Centre and finishing in Welton. 

Bronze Assessed Expedition 

Usually takes place in June. A total of 2 days, 1 night, with 6 hours of planned activity each day. Based in the Yorkshire Wolds, for example starting at Bishop Wilton Village Hall, camping at Allerthorpe Lakeland Park and finishing at the Langlands Garden Centre. 

Silver Practice Expedition 

Usually takes place in May. A total of 3 days, 2 nights, with 7 hours of planned activity each day. Based in the Yorkshire Wolds, for example starting at The Market Weighton School, first camp at Great Givendale Campsite, second camp at Field House Farm in Huggate then finishing in Wharram Percy. 

Silver Assessed Expedition 

Usually takes place in July. A total of 3 days, 2 nights, with 7 hours of planned activity each day. Based in the North Yorkshire Moors, for example starting at Helmsley Castle Car Park, first camp at Peel Park Campsite in Brandsby, second camp at Wethercote Farm then finishing at the Quarry Lane Parking in Osmotherley. 

Gold Training Expedition 

Usually takes place in March. A total of 2 days, 1 night, with 8 hours of planned activity each day. Based in the North Yorkshire Moors, for example starting at Wharram Percy Car Park, camping at the Wolds Way Caravan and Camping Site and finishing at Staxton Village. 

Gold Practice Expedition 

Usually takes place in April. A total of 3 days, 2 nights, with 8 hours of planned activity each day. Based in the Yorkshire Dales, for example starting in Clapham, first camp at The Dalesbridge Campsite, second camp at Holme Farm Campsite in Ribblesdale, then finishing in Settle. 

Gold Assessed Expedition 

Usually takes place in July. A total of 4 days, 3 nights, with 8 hours of planned activity each day. Based in the Lake District National Park, for example completing a circular route that starts and finishes in Coniston, camping at Great Langdale, Eskdale and Seathwaite Tarn (Wild Camp). 

If you are applying to do the Gold Award you will also need to take part in a residential. A DofE residential is an opportunity for a young person to step outside of their usual environment, routine and social setting. The residential is a 5-day trip away from home with a new group of people. You will undertake shared activities, training or volunteering to develop skills and relationships that improve confidence, communication and teamwork. 

Equipment 

For the expedition, participants will need to ensure they are fully equipped and prepared with the correct kit and equipment. The equipment required for a DofE expedition varies according to the weather conditions, terrain and the length of the expedition. Please see the official DofE Kit List for a good indication of the kit required. 

‘DofE Kit List’
https://www.dofe.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DofE_ExpeditionKitList_October_2024.pdf 

The school has a supply of spare kit that is available for hire during the expeditions. The cost of hiring the school’s equipment is included in the fee for the award. Equipment available for hire includes: tents, sleeping mattress, sleeping bags, cooking stoves, maps, first aid kits and storm shelters. Please note hired kit is subject to availability and is issued on a first come, first served basis. Any damages made to the hired kit may be subject to extra fees. 

How do I apply? 

To apply for the DofE, you will receive a letter with a link to an online registration form. You will be required to pay a non-refundable fee. This covers the cost of registering your child's account with DofE Head Office, all certificates and badges, website logins and record books, hire of school kit, such as tents and cooking equipment, all in-school training sessions, all campsite fees and the cost of hiring an accredited DofE assessor for the expedition assessment at the end of the programme. Fees for this year's award are; 

Bronze: £150 

Silver: £215 

Gold: £350 (plus the residential) 

Please be aware that there are often additional costs associated with completing a DofE award including transport to and from the expedition destination, food for the expeditions, personal kit (waterproofs, rucksacks, boots etc) and the cost of conducting the skill, physical or volunteering activities. 

There is financial assistance available to support students that meet specific criteria, for whom these additional expenses might prohibit them from enrolling on the DofE award. If you would like to enquire about this assistance, please contact the school directly for more information.