Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme (DofE)

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – are you ready to take the Challenge?

You may have heard of the Duke of Edinburgh, and possibly his Award. You may know of people completing it through school, or someone who wants to do their Service through GirlguidingUK may have approached you. Or it all may be completely new to you. The information here is designed to enlighten, enthrall and enthuse you!

Aged 14 – 25?

Commissioner or Leader?

Queen’s Guide Candidate?

DoE Award – wider opportunities

Aged 14 – 25?

What is the DoE Award?

It is a challenging programme of activities to help you learn new skills, help others, experience adventure and give you a great sense of achievement. There are three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold, and for each, you complete activities in four Sections – Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Expedition. At the Gold level you also take part in a Residential Project.

It fits perfectly alongside the Senior Section programme as it’s very flexible and each participant can design a unique programme.

 What are the benefits?

·        You can gain recognition for existing activities (perhaps being a Young Leader at Brownies, or playing in an orchestra), or you can use it as a reason to try something completely new! 

·        A Silver Award is considered equivalent to a GCSE (Grade A* - C), while a Gold Award is considered equivalent to an A-level.

·        Participation in the Award looks great on your CV, on job applications, or on University application forms.

·        On successful completion of an Award, you will be presented with a badge and a certificate at a place of your choosing.

·        At Gold level you are invited to a Presentation Ceremony at a Royal Palace and get the chance to mingle with Royalty!

Who can do it?

Anyone - no previous experience or qualifications are necessary! You have to be 14 to start your Bronze, 15 to start your Silver and 16 to start your Gold. You can do all three in turn, or you can be a direct entrant to Gold.

Who can I do it with?

Senior Section groups across Sussex West are taking part in the Award. Contact us  for your nearest group. You can also complete the Award as an individual, perhaps joining with a group for the Expedition. There are Open Award Centres across the County who can help you too.

Next step . . . .

If you are ready to take the Challenge, download the application form here and post it back with the appropriate cheque. My address is in the County Address Book or e-mail us.

For more information, please get in touch with the County Duke of Edinburgh Adviser, Catherine. My role is to promote the Award to potential candidates, then administer and support candidates throughout their Award. I have lots of information I can send you, leaflets and posters to look at, videos to watch, or I could visit your Unit meeting.

For information on how the Award fits in with the Senior Section programme, visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/xq/asp/sID.26/aID.129/qx/new/seniorsection/article.asp