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What is the DofE?

The DofE is a life-changing �adventure for young

people aged 14-24

It helps young people �develop skills for their �future life and work

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Introducing the DofE

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What is involved?

There are three levels of DofE Award – Bronze, Silver and Gold. To achieve their Award, your child will need to complete four sections – Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition (add residential for Gold).

The length of time they will need to devote to each section will vary, depending on whether they are at Bronze, Silver or Gold level.

Choosing which activities to do for each section may seem daunting for your young people. But it’s important to remember that most activities can count.

Many young people will already take part in activities which can be counted towards their DofE Award, and there are a huge number of activities on offer for young people who are keen to try something new.

It is important to make sure that the young people are keeping a record of the time they spend on each activity. They may need your support to find an assessor for each section.

Assessors are people who check that activities have been completed and describe the progress that has been made. An assessor should be somebody who has a good understanding of the chosen activity. It can be anyone apart from members of your family.

I will now describe each section of the award in more detail.

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Volunteering section

Helping others and �making a difference �to the causes they �care about

Every young person who pursues a DofE award will be asked to devote some time to volunteering.

Through volunteering, young people have the opportunity to give up their time to help others or to make a difference to causes they feel passionate about.

As well as changing things for the better, volunteering can be incredibly rewarding for young people – growing their confidence and sense of independence and gaining new skills they can use in their future lives and careers.

Examples of volunteering could be coaching a local football team, collecting items for a foodbank or campaigning for change on issues they feel passionate about.

Presenter: Feel free to use examples of previous participants here.

The amount of time young people will need to volunteer for will vary depending on whether they are pursuing a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.

Young people can choose to volunteer in any area they would like – the only rule is that young people must not be replacing paid labour, for example by volunteering for commercial organisations.

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Physical section

Improving their health �and fitness and having fun along the way!

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Skills section

Developing existing �skills or discovering �new things to love

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Expedition

Spending time in the great

outdoors and creating

lifelong memories

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Residential

(Gold Award only)

Five days and four nights away from home

Sharing experiences and creating new connections

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Your role

Guidance

Encouragement

Practical support

Recognising achievement

There are several ways you can help your young person to achieve their DofE Award.

You should provide guidance and advice – support them with things like choosing their activities and finding assessors.

Encouragement - It can be challenging to keep the motivation going, especially over some of the longer timeframes.

If they need it, help keep them on track with their activities, particularly those which are being done from home.

Practical support - You may be required to drop off/collect from expeditions and activities, make sure they have all the right kit and also wash the kit when it comes home!

Recognising achievement - We hope all organisations will recognise the amazing achievement, and it is just as important to receive that recognition from family members.

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Your Welcome Pack and eDofE

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Getting started

Are you ready to support your

child/young person to start an adventure they’ll never forget?

To get started write to

dukeofedinburgh@haydonschool.com

The DofE is a charity. Visit DofE.org for more information.