1 of 11

2 of 11

What is the DofE?

The DofE is a life-changing adventure.

You make it: The DofE is as unique as you are

Millions of young people in the UK have already done their DofE.

Now it’s your turn.

The DofE is a life-changing adventure which will help you to develop the skills you need for your future life and work.

Doing your DofE gives you the chance to discover just how much you’re capable of. It’s also a great way to meet new people, try new things, do what you love and make a difference in your community.

DofE is non-competitive and for everyone – whatever your interests, background and abilities. It’s about finding the confidence to be yourself, and knowing that when things get tough, you can find a way through.

The DofE award is as unique as you are – you can choose the activities you want to do, based on your own interests and aspirations.

You can choose from hundreds of activities – from canoeing to Tae Kwon Do, DJing to volunteering

Presenter: Feel free to use your own examples here.

3 of 11

Introducing the DofE

4 of 11

To achieve your Gold DofE Award, you will need to complete five sections – volunteering, physical activity, developing a skill, the expedition and a residential.

You will need to spend at least 12 months completing your volunteering section, and at least 6 months on your physical and skills sections. You will also need to decide which two of these you would like to do for 12 months.

If you have not already completed your Silver DofE Award, you will need to do a further 6 months in any 1 of the Volunteering, Physical or Skills sections.

You will need to keep a record of the time you spend on each activity and to ask somebody who has a good understanding of the activity you have chosen to write a report which describing what you have done.

For each section you can choose what you want to do – you can try something new or choose to get better at something you already do. Your DofE can be whatever you want it to be.

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

5 of 11

Volunteering section

Take action and make a difference to the causes you care about

Help others and change things for the better

As part of your Gold DofE Award, you will need to donate your time to volunteering.

Volunteering is a chance to help other people, or to make a difference to the causes you feel most passionate about.

If you have already completed your Bronze or Silver Award you will be familiar with this part of the Award and will know that Volunteering is a great opportunity to change things for the better whilst adding to your own skills and confidence.

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

Presenter: Feel free to use examples of previous participants and include a broad range of examples.

You can choose to volunteer in any area you would like – the only rule is that you must not be doing a job that companies would normally pay somebody for.

6 of 11

Physical section

Take part in whatever dance, sport or fitness activity you would like

Get fitter and have fun along the way!

7 of 11

Skills section

Devote yourself to improving your skills in the things you love to do

Discover new passions and develop talents you didn’t know you had

8 of 11

Expedition

Explore the great outdoors and spend three nights away from home

Create memories that will last a lifetime

As part of your Gold DofE Award you will complete an expedition.

As part of a small team, you’ll plan your aim, choose your location and do some training to make sure you’re prepared and know what you’re doing — then spend four days and three nights away.

You can choose how you want to travel – it doesn’t have to be on foot. You could do it by bike, canoe, kayak, wheelchair, sailing boat or even on a horse.

Your expedition will improve your resilience, communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

Presenter: Please take care to place the same level of emphasis on each of the four sections. Whilst some young people may be attracted to the DofE because of the expedition, we know that some young people find this element daunting, so may need careful reassurance.

9 of 11

Spend five days and four nights away from home

Share experiences and create new connections

Residential

10 of 11

Your Welcome Pack and eDofE

11 of 11

Getting started

Are you ready to start an adventure you’ll never forget?

To get started with your DofE,

speak to Miss Maisuria/ Mr Valentim

dukeofedinburgh@haydonschool.com

The DofE is a charity.

Visit DofE.org for more information.