About
What is DofE
A life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.
14-24 year-olds can do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity.
Any young person can do their DofE – regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.
Through a DofE programme young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, enhancing CVs and uni and job applications. Top employers recognise the work-ready skills Award holders bring to their business.
What is DofE?
Within the authority our team work closely with staff and pupils in schools, workplaces and youth centres to offer the award to young people!
Contact our team to discuss your options or if you are at school contact your school coordinator.
Why take part?
Gain skills
Develop confidence
Have fun
Improve your health and wellbeing
Become a leader
Boost your mental health
Stand out in a crowd
DofE program sections
Volunteering
Volunteering is simple. It’s about choosing to give time to help people, the community or society, the environment or animals.
Physical
For your physical activity you need to choose any sport, dance or fitness activity – in short, anything that requires a sustained level of energy and physical activity.
Skills
For your skills activity you need to choose an activity that will allow you to prove you have broadened your understanding and increased your expertise in your chosen skill.
Expedition
For your Expedition section, you will need to plan, train for and complete an unaccompanied, self-reliant expedition with an agreed aim. You must do the correct training for your level and mode of travel, at least one practice expedition, a qualifying expedition (the one that is assessed) and a final presentation in order to complete the section.
Residential
(Gold only)
For your Residential section you need to undertake a shared activity or specific course with people you don’t know, in a residential setting away from home and in an unfamiliar environment. Evenings are often as much a part of the experience as daytime activities.
DofE in South Ayrshire
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is delivered across 15 different centres in the local authority including schools, youth groups and independent groups.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is delivered across 15 different centres in the local authority including schools, youth groups and independent groups. Each centre is responsible for supporting young people to take part in DofE and complete each of their sections. All of centres have a coordinator who can help young people get involved with the award.
During 2019-20.Pupils started an award:
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Completed works:
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Certificates of achievement:
(to date)
It’s an official recognition, by the DofE, of just how much young people have achieved by completing your Skills, Volunteering and Physical sections.
“The pandemic continues to impact young people’s physical and mental wellbeing. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award continues to support young people to build resilience, vital skills and provide a level of stability and positive focus.”