Duke of Edinburgh (DofE)
Start of Your Bronze DofE
What is DofE?
The DofE is a life-changing adventure you don’t want to miss.
It’s about going the extra mile – learning new skills for work and life, getting fitter, helping others, and exploring the countryside.
Millions of young people in the UK have already done their DofE.
What’s Involved?
Adventurous, caring, sporty, creative… however you might describe yourself, the DofE is for you. Anyone in school year in which you turn 14 to aged 24 can take part. There are three progressive levels of programmes which when completed lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold DofE Award.
To achieve your Bronze Award, you’ll need to complete your own programme of activities in these four sections:
| Volunteering | Physical | Skills | Expedition |
How Do I Choose My Activities?
There’s a wide range of activities to choose from – most activities can count towards DofE. Maybe you want to try something completely new? Or get better at something you’re already doing? Your DofE can be whatever you want it to be.
- Look at our Opportunity Finder for some inspiration on DofE.org.
- Chat to your Leader to make sure an activity counts for the right section and that you’ve set yourself enough of a challenge.
- Most of all, choose activities you’ll enjoy – it will make them easier to stick at it.
How long will it take me?
Activities for each DofE section take a minimum of one hour per week over a set period of time, so they can be fitted in around your studies and life outside school.
You’ll need to participate regularly and show that you’re committed to your DofE during this time.
Certificate of Achievement
The Certificate of Achievement is awarded to participants who complete the volunteering, physical and skill sections of their award.
It recognises dedication and commitment to DofE activities at a time when expeditions may be unable to take place.
Participants can still complete the expedition section and receive a full award certificate.
Volunteering
Volunteering is all about making a difference to others’ lives. Perhaps you’re interested in animals or conservation? Or you want to raise money for a cause that means a lot to you?
- Litter picking in local area, Peer mentoring, paired reading, student council. Charity events such as bake sales, awareness raising, sponsored events or Virtual Fundraising
- British Red Cross – Missing Maps is an innovative project which uses remote volunteers to map the most vulnerable areas of the world, so that humanitarian agencies can better respond when crises occur.
- Leonard Cheshire – We have produced a 12 week guide for young people wishing to complete their volunteering from home. Activities include marketing, fundraising, and campaigning to make the world a fairer place for disabled people.
- Zooniverse: Participate in virtual research of all kinds, from classifying galaxies to counting penguins to transcribing manuscripts.
Physical
The Physical section is a chance for you to focus on your health and fitness and have fun along the way.
- Do an online yoga course with Lizzie Ward Yoga, The Kindness Club, Yoga CharmD or The Yoga Gate.
- Complete the Couch to 5k challenge, or many of the other NHS fitness sessions.
- Do an hour’s YouTube fitness video each week (you can try boot camps, pilates, dance routines and more).
- Get out on your bike or on a walk in your local area – use an app to track your routes to upload as evidence on eDofE.
- Take part in various WiiFit games.
Skills
From podcasting to playing a musical instrument, the Skills section is a great way to learn a new talent, develop existing skills and find something you enjoy doing.
- Learn first aid with St John Ambulance.
- Share your creative talents and interests and achieve an Arts Award qualification.
- Complete an online typing course with Spark 4 Kids.
- Learn how to code with Ignite Hubs, Fire Tech or Spark 4 Kids.
- Sharpen your photography skills with Sharp Shots Photo.
- Learn to cook in your own kitchen with Be in the Kitchen.
- Make your own bath bombs and soaps with Soakster.
- Learn sign language.
- Do a free online money management course with the Open University.
Expedition
Exploring the countryside and spending a night away with your friends. Your expedition will give you lifelong memories.
You’ll plan, train for and do an expedition, spending two days and one night 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.
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.
Your expedition will improve your communication and leadership skills and whilst you’ll come home with a rucksack full of washing, you’ll have an experience you won’t forget.
DofE at Birley
Why Do Your DofE?
So why should you do your DofE? What are you going to get out of doing it? Well, the benefits of achieving your Bronze Award are endless. It’s difficult to list them all, so here’s a quick snapshot. You’ll…
- Have lots of fun.
- Get healthier and happier.
- Meet incredible people and make lasting friendships.
- Have amazing new experiences.
- Find talents you didn’t know you had.
- Gain skills that employers value, which you can reference on your CV.
- Become more confident and independent.
- Stand out from the crowd in college, university and job applications.
- Make memories that will last a lifetime.
Life doesn’t naturally happen, you’ve got to get involved. What better way to do that than do your DofE. As an employer I want to work with people who have a range of skills and can see things through.”
Deborah Meaden, Entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den Investor
“As an actor I know how much Award holders’ experiences and the skills they’ve developed matter. Without determination and passion I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor.
