D of E
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme was founded in 1956 by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. His aim was to give the young people of the time a challenge to go out and experience different physical activities, meeting people and making new friends, become more self-sufficient, to help others and develop new skills. These are still very much relevant today.
The DofE Award as it is more popularly known today is open is all Priory Academy LSST students from the age of fourteen. There are three Award levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold. Within each level there are four sections, although at Gold level the scheme includes a fifth “residential element”. The sections are; Physical, Skills, Volunteering, and Expedition. Self- development plays a key part of the Scheme. As students progress through the levels, the time element within sections becomes longer culminating in 12 months (18 months for direct entry) for Gold and 50 mile expedition in Wild Country over four days. There is a registration fee which is paid via the Academy to Lincolnshire County Council who are the operating authority. Although the Scheme is available to anyone between the ages of 14 and 25, it is the aim of the Academy that The Awards are completed within the time frame of Year 9 to Year 13. There are ten “Guiding Principles” which are at the heart of the Scheme and drive the programmes.
Guiding Principles
- The Scheme is non competitive.
- The Award should be achievable by all.
- It is voluntary.
- The Scheme should inspire personal and social development.
- The Award is personalised to fit the needs of the individual participant.
- The student should complete a balanced and wide-ranging programme.
- The Scheme is progressive through its levels in terms of time, commitment and responsibility from the student.
- Before starting an activity the student are encouraged to set their own challenging goals; the aim being that if they achieve these and show improvement they will achieve the Award.
- The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme demands a high commitment and level of perseverance.
- The student should find the Scheme both enjoyable and rewarding.
More information can be found by looking at www.dofe.org
The Bronze Award is launched in Module 3 of Year 9 with pupils aiming to complete their Bronze Award by Christmas that year. This allows them to progress to Silver if they wish to. We offer entry to Gold in Module 5 of year 11 once they are 16 years old with the aim of them being finished by the end of year 12 (in time for UCAS applications).
If you are a student joining the 6th Form and/or boarding in year 12, and you want to start or are already registered on Gold Award, please contact the DofE Award Coordinator (Mr S Mann) no later than June of the year of entry. This is to ensure we allocate you a place on our Gold support programme.
Please look at the pages on each section to see more explination and information. Parents can view information about the planed expeditions on the expedition page.