Duke of Edinburgh Award

“A Leading youth Charity, the DofE gives all young people the chance to develop skills for work and life, fulfill their potential and have a brighter future.”*

“By doing your DofE, you’re in for an amazing adventure and masses of fun as you take part in a range of activities, all leading to the achievement of an Award that’s recognised by universities and employers alike”*

At Handsworth Grammar you will have the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold level, between year 9 and year 13.

Why do your D of E?

Good question! Because, from the first day to the last it’s a real adventure.  Every section gives you something different – that’s the fun of it!

• You’ll enjoy loads of new experiences, discover talents you never thought you had, challenge yourself and meet loads of people just like you.  Plus you’ll do things you love and get a kick out of.  It’s a real buzz!
• Then there’s all the other stuff…
• …achieving an Award will give you skills, confidence and a view on life that everyone is looking for, from employers to colleges and universities.
• …you’re getting recognised for doing things you want to do (and may even be doing already).
• …you’ll make a difference to other people’s lives and your community, be fitter and healthier, make new friends and have memories to last you a lifetime.
• And above all, it’s a great laugh – the question should really be why wouldn’t you bother!

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What do you have to do?

We start in September of each year and aim to finish the award in July, the following year (Gold may take a little longer)

Bronze Award:

You must:

• • be in year 9 or above
  • volunteer for charity work for at least one hour per week for 3 months
  • learn a new skill for at least one hour per week for 3 months
  • take part in a physical activity / sport for at least one hour per week for 3 months
  • You also have to do an extra 3 months in one of the above areas
  • take part in a practice expedition and a qualifying expedition
    • 2 days walking / exploring the country side
    • camp overnight, including cooking your own meals

Silver Award:

You must:

• be in year 10 or above
• volunteer for charity work for at least one hour per week for 6 months.
• learn a new skill and a physical activity / sport for at least one hour per week for a minimum of 3 months for one and 6 months for the other – you choose which is longer
• take part in a practice expedition and a qualifying expedition,
  • 3 days walking / exploring the country side
  • camp overnight for 2 nights, including cooking your own meals

• If you haven’t done Bronze you can jump straight to silver – but you will need to do extra months in parts of the sections.

Gold Award:

You must:

• be in year 12 or above
• volunteer for charity work for at least one hour per week for 12 months,
• learn a new skill and a physical activity / sport for at least one hour per week for a minimum of 6 months for one and 12 months for the other – you choose which is longer
• take part in a practice expedition and a qualifying expedition,
  • 4 days walking / exploring the country side
  • camp overnight for 3 nights, including cooking your own meals
• The big difference at Gold is you’ll also do a Residential section – staying away from home for five days and four nights doing a shared activity with people you don’t It’s great fun and a real chance to do something different!

If you’re interested….

See Ms Fisher or Ms Morgan

* Taken from the DofE website: http://www.dofe.org/