Key Information
Contact Us

Duke of Edinburgh Award

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has helped countless young people on their sometimes difficult path to adulthood.”

- HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT.

 

For the past seven decades, our Charity (Reg. no. 1072490) has inspired and transformed the lives of millions of young people from all walks of life. From volunteering to physical activities, life skills to expeditions, achieving a DofE Award is a passport to a brighter future, valued by employers and universities.

The world’s leading youth achievement award, the DofE in the UK is proud to be part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, which drives and supports global growth.


At Kingsthorpe College we run the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. Students can start their Duke of Edinburgh Award journey in Year 9 and continue through to Year 13. The Bronze group meets on a Monday after school from 3pm to 4pm and the Silver and Gold groups meet fortnightly on a Friday after school from 3pm - 4pm. These sessions run throughout the year leading up to the expedition phase of the award. In these sessions students are taught everything from navigation skills to how to pack a rucksack and put up a tent. Students will need to complete a number of assessments throughout their training to ensure that they are ready for their expedition.

Silver location for expedition will be in either the Cotswolds or Peak District. 

Gold location for expedition will be in either Scotland or Wales.

Expedition length: 4 days and 3 nights. 


There are 4 sections to the award: Skill, Physical, Volunteering and Expedition.

The Skills section is about discovering what you’re really good at. Maybe you want to get better at something you already do, like playing a musical instrument, or learn something for the very first time, like how to design a website? By developing practical and social skills and nurturing your personal interests and talents, you’ll boost your self-esteem and your CV. You do not need to start a new hobby, it can be something that you are already doing. For ideas on the skill section see below:

 

Physical section is a chance for you to focus on your health and fitness and have fun along the way. As long as you pick something that requires a sustained level of energy and physical activity, the possibilities are endless. Improve your football, rock climbing or dance skills or try a completely new sport or activity. Join a team or do it on your own. You don’t have to be super fit or world class – with the DofE, it’s about setting your own challenges, giving 100% and being the very best you can be. For ideas on the Physical section see below:

 

Volunteering is all about making a difference to other people’s lives. Perhaps you’re interested in animals or conservation? Or you might like to work with older people or raise money for a cause that means a lot to you? From teaching children cyber safety to starting a local recycling campaign, the Volunteering section of your DofE enables you to give your time to help others and change things for the better. You’ll really put your heart into volunteering through your DofE. Many find this section the most rewarding and continue to volunteer long after achieving a DofE Award. For Volunteering ideas  see below:

Volunteering Ideas

Imagine horse riding in the Brecon Beacons, cycling in the Scottish Highlands or hiking in Canada. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll have an unforgettable experience getting to grips with the great outdoors. As part of a small team, you’ll plan and complete a practice and final expedition that will truly stretch your horizons. You’ll improve your communication and leadership skills and take a rucksack full of memories home with you. Our Bronze and Silver expeditions are carried out near Grendon (Bronze) and in the New Forest or South Downs (Silver. At Bronze students will participate in 2 two day, one night expeditions and at Silver students will participate in 2 three day, 2 night expeditions. The expeditions are unaccompanied, however they are remotely supervised by Kingsthorpe School staff. The overnight camping is also supervised. Students will need to carry all of their equipment throughout the expedition and they must be self-sufficient.

Other information

Kit List

Signup Costs: £24 for Bronze, £26 for Silver and £31 for Gold.

Expeditions: APPROXIMATE COSTS £30 for Bronze (includes both expeditions, kit hire, camping, insurance and minibus hire) £50 for Silver (includes both expeditions, kit hire, camping, insurance and minibus hire)

Kit: We lend out tents and cooking equipment as standard. Rucksacks are lent on a first come, first served basis. Kit can be expensive so it worth looking around. The following outdoors stores are recommended for equipment:

Good quality walking boots are a necessity for Duke of Edinburgh, trainers will not suffice.

Q: My child doesn’t know anyone else who is doing the award, will this be a problem?
A: Students make new friends on DofE, our most successful groups last year were not friends before they started, now they are a tight knit group.

Q: My child has a medical issue, will this be a problem?
A: Depending on the medical condition, there are allowances within the award. Special considerations can be applied for, and if granted this could make the award more accessible. There is nothing stopping anyone from doing their award. Even if a student is in a wheelchair they can complete the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Q: I would love my child to complete their award however I am worried I cannot afford it, are there any subsidies?
A: Personal circumstances can be looked at on a case by case basis. Students who receive Pupil Premium can be awarded free places if they are still available within the county. We have equipment that we can lend out throughout the year. Any issues can easily be resolved.

If you would like more information about the award please contact Miss Old via email at Fiona.old@kingsthorpecollege.org.uk