D of E

Curriculum Intent

Our intent for delivering the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award is to enable young people from all backgrounds to build up a range of skills and experiences to help them reach their full potential and navigate life’s challenges. DofE is a life-changing experience and gives students the opportunity to have fun with friends whilst discovering new interests and talents. The award allows students to build their confidence and self-esteem, set personal challenges and overcome limits. Our structured programme of volunteering, physical and skills-based challenges inspire, guide and support young people to achieve their potential whilst at the same time enhancing their life skills, further aiding their independence.

Curriculum Implementation

Our intent for delivering the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award is to enable young people from all backgrounds to build up a range of skills and experiences to help them reach their full potential and navigate life’s challenges. DofE is a life-changing experience and gives students the opportunity to have fun with friends whilst discovering new interests and talents. The award allows students to build their confidence and self-esteem, set personal challenges and overcome limits. Our structured programme of volunteering, physical and skills-based challenges inspire, guide and support young people to achieve their potential whilst at the same time enhancing their life skills, further aiding their independence.

Curriculum Impact

The DofE takes students outside the comfort zone of the classroom and their social circle, broadens their horizons, and gives them a positive approach to overcoming challenges and reaching goals. The award boosts their independence, responsibility, and ability to reflect on the impact of their actions. The students develop their teamwork skills by learning to work well and respectfully with others, become more confident and expand their aspirations. Through planning and executing their expedition students improve their organisation skills, gives young people resilience, determination, and self-reliance, while for many giving back to their community by volunteering can bring benefits for their own mental health. The breadth of a DofE programme means students also discover new passions and talents which can influence their future careers.

Equal Opportunities and Inclusion

The DofE is challenging but inclusive. It’s non-competitive and achievable by all young people, giving them the chance to achieve and develop – regardless of ability, background, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Each participant’s programme is personal to them. Everyone is on a level playing field, with young people of different backgrounds, beliefs, and circumstances able to interact and work towards a common goal.

Social Moral Spiritual and Cultural

The DofE takes students outside the comfort zone of the classroom and their social circle, broadens their horizons, and gives them a positive approach to overcoming challenges and reaching goals. The award boosts their independence, responsibility, and ability to reflect on the impact of their actions. The students develop their teamwork skills by learning to work well and respectfully with others, become more confident and expand their aspirations. Through planning and executing their expedition students improve their organisation skills, gives young people resilience, determination, and self-reliance, while for many giving back to their community by volunteering can bring benefits for their own mental health. The breadth of a DofE programme means students also discover new passions and talents which can influence their future careers.

Careers Education Information and Guidance

Doing their DofE gives young people skills and attributes they can use in later life. Research shows that 95% of UK senior managers regard so-called ‘soft skills’ as equally or more important than exam results alone — and 90% said they were more likely to employ a candidate who demonstrates achievements beyond grades.

Leading employers look favourably on a DofE Award for the employability skills it develops, including confidence, resilience, and teamwork.

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