The Joseph Whitaker School’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme is open to all students from Years 9 to 13. Students can do programmes at three levels, which when completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.

The award is achieved by completing a personal programme of activities in different sections – Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition and a Residential (Gold only).

Students will help people or the community, get fitter, develop skills, go on an expedition and take part in a residential activity (Gold only).

How do students complete the sections?

Students choose their own activity for each section other than the Expedition. It is a personal responsibility to find and complete these activities – school can advise students but they must work independently. Each activity must be assessed and signed off by someone qualified in that activity, and who is not a family member.

How long are DofE expeditions?

Bronze: 2 day/1 night training, 2 day/1 night practice expedition, 2 day/1 night qualifying expedition.

Silver: 2 day/1 night training, 2 day/2 night practice expedition, 3 day/2 night qualifying expedition.

Gold: two training weekends (2 day/1 night and 2 day/2 night, using indoor accommodation), 3 day/2 night practice expedition, 4 day/3 night qualifying expedition, plus 5 day/4 night Residential Section.

Latest information on Levels & Timescales on the D of E Website

If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact us