The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is a personal development program for 13 to 25 year olds. It began in 1956 and continues to grow in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Woodrush are also the only provider that have had three generations complete all levels of the award. The award is designed to be enjoyable and rewarding while also promoting and developing a wealth of skills and attributes such as personal development, self-reliance, teamwork and leadership skills.

At Woodrush High School the Award operates at three levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold); the higher the level, the more time and effort is required. It is a personal challenge available to all, not a competition against others. Completion of the Award is voluntary, as students commit some of their own time to undertake activities which they have selected.

At Woodrush all students are encouraged to participate in the Bronze level during Year 10, and many go on to complete their Silver and then Gold in the Sixth Form. Participants who complete the Gold Award are invited to a ceremony at St James’ Palace, London, where their certificate is presented to them by a member of the Royal Family.

Each level of the award has four sections to complete, Volunteering, Skill, Physical and Expedition. There is an additional section for Gold participants to complete, which is a five day residential.

Here at Woodrush the expeditions take place at various locations applicable to the award level including Worcestershire, Shropshire, Peak District, Lake District and Snowdonia.

Participants are fully trained by expedition specialists in all the required elements to fulfil a closely supervised practice and a remotely supervised assessment in accordance with the DofE principles. Qualified staff also monitor students throughout their training and expedition.

The scheme is administered and monitored through an online system, ‘eDofE’, and involves all sections. This is the only method of sign off for the award therefore requires regular engagement from participants. The

‘eDofE’ system allows students to input evidence of their activities which is then approved through the D of E Manager and D of E Verifier.

For further information, please use the tabs or The DofE website which provides answers to a range of questions you may have about the scheme. If you have further questions please contact Miss Capaldi (DofE Manager)

Recommended suppliers: Costwold outdoors (15% discount with enrollements) & Go Outdoors 
Chase training solutions - Expedition provider: https://chasetrainingsolutions.co.uk/