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!

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/