Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Embracing adventure with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Aspire

We believe in providing a holistic education that goes beyond the traditional classroom. We are proud to offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) as part of our curriculum. This internationally recognized program is designed to encourage young people to develop positive skills and habits that will benefit them in the future.

Incorporating the DofE program into our school’s curriculum is part of our commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. We believe that every student, regardless of their personal circumstances or challenges, should have the opportunity to thrive and succeed. The DofE program is one way we help make this belief a reality.

We invite all students to participate in the DofE program. It’s an opportunity to discover new interests, develop valuable skills and make a difference in your community. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!

What is The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a youth awards program founded in the United Kingdom in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The program is now available in more than 140 countries. It encourages young people to develop skills for life and work, become physically active, give service to their communities and experience adventure^.

The DofE operates at three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

Each level has specific requirements and participants must complete progressively challenging tasks. Achieving the award demonstrates commitment, perseverance, and the development of various skills and attributes.

Why DofE?

The DofE offers a balanced, non-competitive program of activities that encourages personal discovery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility to themselves and service to their community.

Reasons why we believe in the DofE program:

Broadens Horizons: The DofE program encourages students to explore new areas of interest and develop new skills. From learning how to cook or learning about their natural environment, to improving their physical fitness, the program offers a wide range of activities that students can choose from.
Promotes Physical Activity: The Physical section of the DofE program encourages participants to engage in regular physical activity, which is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being.
Encourages Community Service: The Volunteering section of the DofE program encourages students to give back to their community, fostering a sense of social responsibility.
Builds Confidence: The Expedition section of the DofE program challenges students to plan, train for and complete an adventurous journey in the UK. This helps build confidence, teamwork and leadership skills.
Enhances Emotional Well-being: The DofE program can help students manage their emotions better. The physical activities can help reduce stress and anxiety, while the skills section can boost self-esteem and confidence.
Develops Resilience: The challenges faced and overcome during the DofE journey foster resilience. This is particularly beneficial for students as it helps them cope with adversity in their lives.
Fosters Social Skills: The DofE program provides numerous opportunities for social interaction, helping students improve their communication and interpersonal skills.
Provides a Sense of Achievement: Completing each section of the DofE and ultimately achieving the Award provides a significant sense of accomplishment. This can be a powerful motivator for students, encouraging them to set and achieve goals in other areas of their lives.
Offers Personalized Learning: The DofE program is flexible and can be tailored to meet the individual needs and interests of each student. This personalized approach can be particularly beneficial for students, allowing them to engage in activities that they find meaningful and enjoyable.
Encourages Positive Relationships: Through teamwork in the expedition section and volunteering in the community or within our school, students can build positive relationships with peers and adults. This can help students feel more connected and supported.

For more information about the DofE program at Aspire, please contact our DofE co-ordinator, John Avery via javery@aspireap.org.uk.

For more information on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, please click here.