Duke of Edinburgh Award
Welcome to Presdales School Duke of Edinburgh Award guidance. Here we hope to outline what is involved at each level, both as a reminder to existing participants but also to inform younger students as to what could be a rewarding experience in years to come.
Application Process
Places are currently limited to 36 for each award. Students are required to complete an application form. If we receive more than 36 quality applications a random selection will be made and the first 36 students will be offered a place.
Bronze, which you start in Year 10, Bronze Award Requirements
Silver, which you start in Year 12, Silver Award Requirements
Students will be guided through the requirements to complete the four sections of the Award: Physical, Skill, Volunteering and Expedition and are expected to undertake their chosen activities for at least an hour a week. In school, sessions are provided to train and prepare students for the expedition section.
Expedition Training
Expedition training varies between levels. At Bronze level, we will often meet once a week at lunchtime as well as for a Saturday training day. You will also complete one, fully supported training expedition (over a weekend, usually held at Cottered Guide Centre) before your qualifying expedition (usually located in Epping Forest) in the summer term.
For the Silver Award there will also be some lunchtime meetings as well as a training weekend. You will complete one training expedition (over two nights) before your qualifying expedition.
Equipment
The following equipment can be borrowed from school: tents, compasses, first aid kits and trangias, but you will need to borrow or buy the following equipment (bronze equipment list, silver equipment list). Once accepted onto the DofE you will receive a Welcome Pack including a discount card for many shops including Go Outdoors.
Parent Information Evenings
Information evenings for the Bronze and Silver Awards are held in the autumn term of each year. Students considering participation on either award will find these useful in preparing their application. However, if you are unable to attend the evening up-to-date powerpoint presentations can be found here:
Finally…
Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a fantastic opportunity which goes way beyond ‘looking good on my CV’. It is about challenging yourself to try new activities/skills – or to further develop familiar ones in; it gets you doing something good in your local community, to help others; it gives you the opportunity to spend time exploring the great outdoors and to know the satisfaction of eating a meal cooked over a tiny stove at the end of a long day walking (nothing beats that!). It will look good on your CV but more importantly it will give you wonderful memories and shape who you are as a person.
If you have any questions please contact our DofE co-ordinators by emailing: dofe@presdales.herts.sch.uk
